VAC Sig. IIa + Dartzeel 108 + TAD CR-1's ....

[jdebonth]

Originally Posted by joeinid

is the combo to beat. I could not wait any longer and hooked up the VAC to my Dartzeel. Wow! The hint of tube sweetness and fullness from the VAC preamp added to the oh so natural sounding Dartzeel is a phenomenal combo in my book. The 911's are more flashy, have more but not necessarily better bass and draw a little more attention to themselves. The Dart/VAC combo tames the TADs and makes the most of what they give, very musical indeed.

The dart/vac sounds like a nice pairing. Do you feel the dart's ever run our of steam with the CR1's? How loud do you need to listen before you notice that the dart's start to struggle to keep up?

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by jdebonth

The dart/vac sounds like a nice pairing. Do you feel the dart's ever run our of steam with the CR1's? How loud do you need to listen before you notice that the dart's start to struggle to keep up?

Hi Joost,

For my needs the Dartzeel is plenty loud. I've never blinked her eyes. The VAC works wonderfully with the 911's as well. I am not a head banger so no problem.

[EightZeroZeroDelta]

Originally Posted by joeinid

Thanks Sean

I am looking forward to your journey as well. Savor every step and have no regrets.

I am very eager for what lies ahead, too. Thanks for all of the support!

[Still-One]

Joe
At some point it is strictly a matter of preference and not whether it may be better. I think you are getting close to your nirvana.

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Joe
At some point it is strictly a matter of preference and not whether it may be better. I think you are getting close to your nirvana.

Jim,

You are 100% correct. What I enjoy could be very different from what others enjoy.

[KahunaCanuck]

Way to go Joe!

Exciting to be watching your journey!

Is there a break in period with the VAC at all?

Originally Posted by joeinid

is the combo to beat. I could not wait any longer and hooked up the VAC to my Dartzeel. Wow! The hint of tube sweetness and fullness from the VAC preamp added to the oh so natural sounding Dartzeel is a phenomenal combo in my book. The 911's are more flashy, have more but not necessarily better bass and draw a little more attention to themselves. The Dart/VAC combo tames the TADs and makes the most of what they give, very musical indeed.

Hi Joe, I'm glad to hear of your success matching the terrific Vac pre with your Dartzeel amp. Musicality is what we all desire, so it's great to hear you've found the holy grail. I hope to report soon of my findings with my Boulder amps, Jorma cables & Ayon combo

Cheers,

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by KahunaCanuck

Way to go Joe!

Exciting to be watching your journey!

Is there a break in period with the VAC at all?

Thanks Mike,

They run the pre for 48 hours at the factory and recommend an additional 150 hours before it's fully broken in. If it gets any better, strap me down.

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by Bodhisattva

Hi Joe, I'm glad to hear of your success matching the terrific Vac pre with your Dartzeel amp. Musicality is what we all desire, so it's great to hear you've found the holy grail. I hope to report soon of my findings with my Boulder amps, Jorma cables & Ayon combo

Cheers,

Thanks David,

It's working out well, so I'm happy. I find the looks and fanatical build quality of the Boulder gear impressive. If I can find a dealer close to me, I want to take a listen and hear it for myself.

Originally Posted by joeinid

Thanks David,

It's working out well, so I'm happy. I find the looks and fanatical build quality of the Boulder gear impressive. If I can find a dealer close to me, I want to take a listen and hear it for myself.

That's great to hear Joe Inner Ear magazine did a review of the Renaissance Signature Mk2 a while back and paired the Vac with a Boulder 1060 for the review. It's quite an interesting read. Here is a link fyi - The Inner Ear Magazine - Discover High End
From all i've read, the Boulder 1010 is also a very impressive pre, though it would have a different sound character to the Vac. My Dealer feels it's on the slightly warm side of neutral. Boulder amps are transparent to source, so all the tube goodness from my Ayon spinner should come through

Cheers,