VAC preamps - too expensive?

@audioguy85 

I never understood all the hype behind that Border Patrol DAC. Perhaps it was a system synergy thing at the time but it left me completely unimpressed. 

 

Trinnov it’s a nice unit but very few people you 16 channels. If you’re only using seven or eight channels which is quite a bit, this unit would seem wasteful.

Not sure all the excess bodes well for good sound.

Would be nice if Home theater processors became to chassis with the hopes of improving sound.

This is exactly why Theta Digital sells 4 and 6-channel DAC cards. You can go for their Xtreme or less pricey Premium cards. The Casablanca is fully upgradeable, and you don’t have to buy the latest version V. Mine started as a III HD and is now a IVa. I can upgrade to a V whenever, but I don’t feel the need to do so at this point.

Btw, when did you start this thread? Hmm, still no tubed pre? Yeah, just stick with an HT pre/pro with a good remote and you’re done.

Btw, when did you start this thread? Hmm, still no tubed pre? Yeah, just stick with an HT pre/pro with a good remote and you’re done

Initial post June 2021. 
Agree with your suggestion. The VAC preamplifier isn’t for him it clearly seems by now. People who buy the VAC unquestionably understand what it is and more importantly, what they want.

Charles

I have a long history of buying gear I "can't afford" ,   if I had VAC kind of $$$ I would definitely consider them.   

I always stretch my budget, I would rather save for a year or two and buy something that is over the top.   Worst thing is buyers remorse, you avoid that to some extent when you make a smart, thought out purchase.    

Buy once, cry once....

I had the chance to meet Kevin Hayes today when I visited their shop in Sarasota. I also spoke with  his tech Brent who built my amp and serviced my pre amp, quite nice fellows. Very personable to me. We talked about tubes, my gear and the fact that Kevin still to this day has a Renaissance amp in his personal system at home. He showed it to me. He showed me some old proto type amp chassis, it was fun. I had them upgrade my pre amp and will visit again in January to drop off my Amp for upgrade. He was very enthusiastic about the Mk IIIs upgrade that I plan for my Renaissance 70/70 map. So am I!