[G E]

I currently drive my VMPS RM30 speakers with a Bryston 4Bsst2 (latest rev) and am quite pleased with the results.  Incredible transients and detail and yet it sounds smooth and creamy on the best recorded material.

But this last weekend I listened to a system driven by the Ultravalve 70 (or perhaps the Ultimate 70, not sure) and was again reminded how great a quality tube amp can sound. 

So now I am thinking about things and a few questions arise:

1) Anyone running VMPS speakers with AVA UltraValve or Ultimate 70?
2) Is anyone bi-amping VMPs, solid state for low end and tubes for the mids and tweets?
3) Is it possible to install XLR jacks in the Ultravalve or Ultimate 70?
4) I assume level matching will be necessary, what is the best way to do this yet not degrade sonics?
5) I don't wish to give up my XLR cables.  If I am stuck with unbalanced on the Tube amp, what are my options aside from replacing 23 foot long IC's?

Appreciate the group's thoughts.

g e

[Wayner]

To question #2, the gain on the Ultravalve is lower then with SS amps, so bi-amping will require different gains for each amp (and this is the usual case when combining tube with SS).
To question #3, the answer is no.
To Question #4, get 2 Ultravalves and vertically bi-amp.................

Wayner

[simon wagstaff]

A dqx active crossover would address a few of these issues. You have more power than is good for you.....

[trebejo]

There is something about a nice tube amp, isn't there...

The size of the room matters. When I used the U70 in a 2000 ft^3 room, it was more than enough with speakers of average sensitivity. Your RM30's are supposed to be about 3db more efficient than that, which is like doubling the room size... and of course your listening habits are an additional variable.