If you don't get the VA, then check out the ones from Mapletree. I have not heard VA's all-tube, but did hear the Ultra (hybrid; supposedly his best effort) and I prefer my Mapletree 2A SE (all tube, fer sure, and way less expensive, and also trial period of 30 days?). Nothing against VA, I have his Fet-Valve Ultra 550 and love it, but preferred the Mapletree pre. Diff' strokes.