At one point in time I was considering the IT-85. However, I decided that I enjoyed the Conrad-Johnson "house sound" better than that of VTL, so I went with a CAV-50. They are similar amps and both are great products. I prefer the C-J's rounder, warmer sound to the VTL's drier, more accurrate presentation.
You mention the VTL IT-85 amp. I had the pleasure of listening to this with a Nottingham Spacedeck, Benz Ruby, and once with a pair of Dynaudio 52SE and just yesterday driving a pair of Verity Audio Tamino X2. That is a really sweet little amp. Had no problem driving either speaker to high volume with tight deep bass. Was extremely musical and enjoyable with both speakers. A real pleasure.
System edited: Swapped ot Canare LV-61S digital interconnect for a Harmonic Technology Cyberlink Copper. I used the Cyberlink over a year ago. I'm glad I returned it to use!
I like the Philips 963 for SACD playback. For CD playback, the MF DAC sounds great. The 963 was ok for CD playback, but nothing special.
As far as the Kora Explorer, I haven't really heard muuch about that brand, and after a review in Stereophile which suggested it was delicate and pretty easy to damage, I was a little reticent to try it. YBA is a little out of my price range.
I decided to go with the CAV-50. It is truly a great sounding amp. Maybe I'll replace the signal tubes with some French military ones! right now, though, I'm looking at Siemens for the EL-34's, 12ax&a's, and 12au7. I'm sticking with RCA's for the 6sn7's. thanks for the comments!
I am partial to French stereo equipment as well. I just got a Kora Explorer 90 and it makes magic with my Focal JM Labs. Have you thought of trying out a French integrated? The 90 is considered one of the best and it's cheap! Also YBA sounds pretty good with Triangles although it can be light in the bass.
If anyone is interested in purchasing my Creek OBH-8 phono amp and OBH-2 power supply, NAD 512 CD Player, and Joldia 502A integrated amp, make me an offer. I also have a .5m Harmonic Technology Cyberlink Copper digital cable available for sale or trade.
Ou contraire! The French Revolution, at least as embodied in the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen, stood for the institution of a system founded upon reason rather than based on tradition. Of course, the revolution lost its way...
Hopefully through upgrades and replacements, my system will not lose its way as well. Next on the guillotine is the Jolida, to be replaced by a VTL IT-85.
The french revolution was a war against reason, and should be a cause of shame to thinking people everywhere since it's fruits are still evident. Your system on the other hand seems to be well thought out and put together. No shame in that!
