Now I have just been using my A85 as a power amp with the ref 500s and the ref 500s is most certainly better used with the big impulse taus [ rfc modded] which no doubt you have seen as i post pics all the time . its grips better , more alive , more dynamic BUT

used as an integrated the A85 seems to suit the taus and its not bad at all . if you are ever in brum you are most welcome to hear them both

I recently had the mighty 10.4 k silbatone integrated here and that was most certainly better and more silkier than both amps but then it costs thousands more than them both !!!

P1060956 by , on Flickr