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VAC Signature Preamplifier Mk IIa ....
I thought I'd start a new thread on this lovely piece. It should be home in about 3-4 weeks. Anyone use VAC gear?
Signature Preamplifier Mk IIa a/k/a "Renaissance Signature" "That’s pretty much how it goes with VAC gear – whatever it is connected to sounds about as good as it’s going to get! ... This is the only preamp I have used, bar none, which does not in some manner mangle the music by reducing dynamics, veiling detail, portraying a compressed soundstage, or sounding flat. I can see, or shall I say hear, clearly why Kevin Hayes prefers to refer to his creations as instruments as opposed to components. The level of refinement is extreme. The Signature Preamplifier Mk 2 is suitable for the most exquisite of audio systems, and thus is recommended without reservation!" - Doug Schroeder, DaGoGo, March 2010 The culmination of eight years' research and development, this is VAC's finest preamplifier. Its new and unique circuit follows VAC's "first principles" design philosophy, wherein we look beyond conventional wisdom to discover what a preamplifier really must do to preserve musical life. As usual, the answers are distinct from anything you've seen or heard before. Through its principal outputs, the Signature Preamplifier contains no coupling capacitors from input to output. No coupling capacitor hinders the purity and detail developed by the hand-wired direct-coupled Class A1 triode tubes. Additionally, no loop negative feedback is used; the output interface is completely stable and free from dynamic interactions with the load. In addition to five standard line inputs (four when phono is fitted), a fully balanced input is provided. Fully balanced outputs are present, as are dual standard RCA outputs. Balancing is achieved by differential triodes driving a special output transformer. This design ensures a true balanced signal, capable of driving even the most cruel professional studio equipment, something impossible with cathode followers and totem circuits. In addition, the transformer output may be used with unbalanced loads. In this manner, galvanic loops and interaction between source & power amp feedback loops are eliminated, allowing for the most liquid, dimensional sound. The line stage also offers a fully buffered tape loop and VAC's Cinema Bypass mode, which allows your high-end stereo system to integrate seamlessly with home theater. The Cinema Bypass input is a fixed gain input that allows your source component to control volume, and passes this signal through to the stereo power amplifiers without further processing. It allows a cost-no-object stereo system to integrate seamlessly into a home theater context when needed, without any degradation of two channel performance from traditional stereo sources. The Cinema Bypass input may also be used with stereo components that have their own level control, such as d/a converters. The optional phono stage is a zero-feedback design incorporating six low noise triode tubes. Sensitive and quiet, it is capable of handling even low output moving coil cartridges. A rear panel switch allows engagement of wideband transformers to provide a proper and balanced load to low output pickups. Electrostatic decoupling prevents the heater circuits from "talking" to each other, a common cause of lost detail. Indeed, a completely separate power transformer and filter circuitry are dedicated to the phono stage, eliminating any disturbance of the delicate phono signal by the powerful line stage. Variable load switching is provided. The laquered aluminum remote control is standard. Uniquely, our remote system is implemented with electromechanical switches and controls. This approach is considerably more costly than the usual digital interfaces, but has several major advantages. First, no VCAs, relays, or transistor switches (switched ladder networks) are used in controlling volume. This is mandatory for sonic purity. Second, VAC's careful implementation avoids the use of microprocessors, which generate significant noise signals that, while sometimes not audible directly, can do damage to the sound. Third, the front panel controls are direct and intuitive to use, their positions indicating at a glance exactly how the unit is set. The VAC logos are backlit with an elegant blue in normal operation, but display red when the mute is activated. These are set in the heirloom-quality sculpted 3/8" fascia. The liberal use of sound deadening material compliments the 1/4" thick CNC-machined aluminum chassis, creating a solid mechanical foundation. Internal parts are specified from the finest and most exotic materials, as extreme measures and the most careful "voicing" are required to reach this unequaled pinnacle of perfection. Basic specifications: Inputs: 3 sets RCA line input, 2 sets balanced/RCA selectable inputs; optional 1 MM and 1 MC (or additional line input if phono is not fitted); 1 set RCA tape monitor input; 1 set RCA cinema bypass input Outputs: 2 sets RCA, 2 set balanced XLR (EIA "pin 2 hot" studio standard); 1 set RCA tape output Optional MM/MC phono stage with user adjustable loading Absolute phase is correct from all inputs to all outputs Dimensions: audio chassis 18" wide x 5.5" high x 14.5 deep (plus knobs & connectors); power supply 18" x 3.9" x 14.5" plus connectors Shipping weight: 61 pounds total (with phono) ---------- Line stage: Two 12AU7 twin triodes and two 8416, 7308, 6922, E88CC, ECC88, 6DJ8, or 12DJ8 twin triodes Gain: 12 dB Frequency response: flat over audio band; -3 dB bandwidth 5 Hz - 210 kHz THD: <0.009% @ 1 kHz, 1 V RMS Maximum output: > 8 V RMS Output impedance: 96 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, static (i.e., not dependent upon feedback) Recommended output load: >300 ohms Channel separation: >80 db ---------- |
#2
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Very nice looking Joe!
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Ivan FLORIDA MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES CAPE COD MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES |
#3
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VAC components get excellent reviews/feedbacks everywhere. You will not be disappointed with their flagship preamp.
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#4
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Thanks Ivan.
Tommy, I am looking forward to it. My CJ GAT was spectacular, but I think this will match better with more gear, and you guys know I need that for sure |
#5
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back photo
Last edited by Masterlu; 10-03-2012 at 08:50 PM. Reason: ;) |
#6
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Joe
I haven't heard the piece but I must say it is probably the nicest designed piece of audio gear that I can readily think of. Jim |
#7
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Quote:
In doing some research, I found they have a loyal following and a few people I know of switched from CJ and ARC to VAC. I still prefer a tube preamp and SS amps. |
#8
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Nice Joe. Apparently the owner of VAC listens to every piece of gear before it leaves the shop. I'm sure that doesn't happen at many places these days. (of course that's what I read of the 'net so...)
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#9
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I use VAC gear. Oh wait, wrong tense.
I WILL use VAC gear. And thanks for that Joe. |
#10
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I like the looks of them.
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