Why Not More Conversation about VAC?

Podeschi, have you done any comparisons between your VTPH-2 phono preamp and the VAC's built-in?

Yes I agree it doesn't get better having the Sig. MK2a pre paired up with the Statement 450 mono blocks, I'm very fortuante to own both which has finally gotten me off the merry-go-round. I have owned the pre-amp for approx a years time and kept searching for what I felt was the ideal amps paired up and once I heard the 450's earlier this year it was a no brainer.

I'm logging in hours, at least 500 on the amps prior to starting my comparisons in relation to phono stages, my pre also having one built-in.

My system;

- MBL 101E speakers
- VAC Sig. MK2a pre w/phono
- Vac Statement 450 mono blocks
- TW Acustic Black Knight table
- Minus K platform(custom made)table sits ontop
- Various arms and carts
- 2- Torus RM20 units which everything is plugged into, once my amps have logged in the 500 hours I will do some comparisions which include unplugging them from such to see.
- Stealth Audio cables through out

I owned the MBL 1621a transport (absolutely amazing) and had it paired up with a AA Ref Tube dac (another amazing pce) but unfortuantly preferred my vinyl set-up by far and these pces just sat around unused so I sold them. I will replace them with something down the road so I can listen to my nice collection of cd's but for now in no hurry.

I have some very nice premium matched pairs of tubes that I was using in this dac so I'll be trying them in my phono section and see.

Drummermitchell,

yes I agree the 28's paired up with the Vac pre really works nicely.

... but that being said your jaw will drop upon hearing your Vac pre paired up with these 450 amps.

Areas that I felt would be the 28's strengths or any top notch solid state amps that I had in my system which ended up not being so which totally surprised me once I heard the 450's were;

1. Floor noise, in comparison the 450's are substantually lower, anyone who has experienced this knows the over all benefits and effects of such.

2. Base in all areas, in comparision the 450's are far superior, control, deep base along with substance, more realistic which just leaves you shaking your head wondering how the heck can these tube amps do this compared to say the 1000 watt solid state amps.

3. Micro and macro dynamics, very nice indeed, no comparision.

Individules who already use tube amps know of their strengths and why they preffer using such, with these 450's you get all of this and then some, absolutely amazing.

Dev,
Yes, I've compared the Herron to my VAC, the Fosgate Signature, etc in my system, and in other's systems as well. There is something about the organic transparency and timing of the VTPH-2 that I have yet to find in any phono preamp. It works perfectly for my ears. The MC section is particularly strong in the VTPH, preferring it to even really good SUTs going into MM on VAC or Herron. BTW, I was getting ready to box and store my redbook CDs until I bought the Modwright 5400es. I had listened to/auditioned 10k+ cd players and nothing approached the natural timber and soundstage of vinyl until I heard the Modwright. Ordinary redbook CDs are unbelievable, as are SACDs (a bit wider of a soundstage)....Some redbook CDs beat vinyl in listenability (e.g., dynamics and noise floor).

Podeschi I couldn't agree with you more. I am now using myaudiocable (MAC) in silver as the umbilical and like it better than Dan's new cable. The Sony player has that midrange that I have not heard in other players. I even compared it to the Playback Designs CD player and it was not even close. Dan hit a home run with this one. My Aesthetix Io Signature phono stage matches up beautifully with the VAC Preamp. By the way anyone going to RMAF this year?

JWM, thanks and by the way I purchased a VAC preamp and amp partially due to the threads I've read here on Audiogon, including your's, so thanks, because I love my VAC gear, and think Kevin Hayes is superb with his service level.

I sent my VAC Phi Beta preamp in for service; as I bought it used. Kevin and Brent kept me informed every step of the way; it was finished on time; Kevin spent a lot time listening to, tweaking it; and replacing the tubes with a matched set. It was returned to me pristine; better than new; scruffs buffed out; shinny; and more importantly; it sounds better the ever. Their costs to me were very modest for the work and time the put in. I plan on keeping this unit in my rig until it dies, which hopefully won't be a for a long time. I can't imagine a better service relationship with the owner; even for gear no longer under warranty; and purchased used...they do great work! and make great sound!