Why Not More Conversation about VAC?


As I browse Audiogon's posts...I'm constantly amazed at the lack of attention, questions, remarks about VAC, (Valve Amplification Company).
First and foremost, I'm thinking that most if not all of us are music lovers--and I'm not aware, subjectively, of course, of more, just out and out, musical sounding electronics. And, I don't mean that in a perjorative, 'colored' sense...I mean that in the most flattering sense.
The lack of comments may mean nothing, but it just strikes me as 'absent' from good discussions.
Second, and beyond the stellar sound, if you want great gear, and a great person to buy it from, who better in terms of accommodation, knowledge and service than Kevin Hayes. Like the Bobster (Palkovic) his reputation for building first rate stuff and then backing it to the hilt is unsurpassed.

Kevin is also a great guy AND music lover of the first order...a friend too, but I'm not shilling here, just seriously wondering why VAC isn't further up the discussion ladder.

Kinda like reading Motor Trend Magazine, in which they 'Test Drive' a Mustang in EVERY ISSUE!!!

Just wondering.

Larry
lrsky
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05-22-11: Fplanner2010
Knghifi - thanks for sharing above. Do I understand you to be saying the CV-181-Z can replace some tubes in my preamp? Which ones? I have the Ren Sig MkIIa. This is pure curiosity for when/if I decide to do a bit more "tweaking". Thank you again.
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NO, that's NOT what I meant. You cannot use CV-181-Z in your preamp. What I meant is I got my Ren Sig MKIIa to sound similiar to the CV-181-Z sonic characteristics that we both like.
OK - Now I understand :-). What tubes did you end up replacing and what with? thanks.
Cables of the same brand I typically prefer using the balanced with the Phi 200 especially when using the amp in Mono mode, and cables of differing brands one simply has to compare - the results are unpredictable which (RCA/XLR) will be superior.

I reviewed the Phi 200 for Dagogo.com
In the VAC Sig 2A preamp tube rolling makes a big difference in my opinion. In the 6DJ8 position I like Brimar (England) ECC88, Amperex 6DJ8A Frames Flying Saucer Getter. In the 12AU7 position I like Mullard (1950's) 12AU7 2 Support D Getters, French Mazda 12AU7, Tungsol 12AU7A.
I was just blown away tonight. I just replaced two of my RCA 6SN7 in my PHI 300.1 with Sylvanias in there place. So now the two middle positions are the RCA's and the two outer areas are Sylavanias. This seems to be the best combiantion of both tubes. Beautiful warmth and presence oh MY.