VAC Owners:Outboard Phono Stage?


I'm contemplating my next upgrade. Thought you guys could help.

I spin mostly vinyl. I have a great analogue front end that feeds a VAC Standard LE pre and VAC PHI 200 amp, both of which I love. The MC stage on the pre is really good, but a little noisy (hiss). Kevin is sending me new 12AX7s that Brent will test for very low noise at the VACtory. Those guys just rock!

My question, however, is how much do I need to spend on an outboard MC phono stage if I want a significant upgrade to the already wonderful sound of the built-in stage?

I know, why don't I just enjoy the wonderful sound? Because it's upgrade time, baby! There will always be a next level (we really need a 12 step group for this hobby).

I'm looking at the Zesto Andros ($3900), the Herron VTPH-2 ($3700), and possibly the new Manley Chinook ($2200).

Ideally, I could audition these in my system, but the nearest dealer is far away, so I'll have to order one.

Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks,
Alón (no, not Wolf)
Ag insider logo xs@2xalonski
OK, I'm intrigued. I took Jfrech's advice and did some research on SUTs. I read about the EAR, Audionote, Ortofon, Bob's Devices, and K&K. This is a whole new animal.

There's some intimation that SUTs work best with tube MM phono stages, which leads me to the question:

Do any VAC preamp owners on this thread have experience replacing the built-in MC phono stage with an SUT?

Great, I just added another month to my research timeline... glad I love this stuff.
Might also check out the E.A.R. MC4, this is the one I am demo'ing right now and will likely purchase...I'm sincerely impressed.

Here is another opinion: http://www.ultraaudio.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=197:ear-mc-4-step-up-transformer&catid=37:full-length-reviews&Itemid=2

I wish I could help you better how it works with your VAC...works great with my Nagra ;-)
Hi. You dont replace your mc stage with a SUT you run the SUT into the MM input. Best strategy is to get a SUT that is known to work well with your exact cartridge parameters. Vac can change a mc input to a mm.
Jfrech, I've got you to thank for opening this can of new possibilities... I just read the Art Dudley piece on the EAR MC4 and now I've got to hear it in my system. If it matches my cart and system well and can beat the VAC built in MC, I'd say it would be a simple and relatively inexpensive upgrade.

Podeschi, I've been keeping an eye out for a VAC Ren or Sig, but they rarely show up here. My first choice is to stay with VAC if I can.