Opinions on preamps

Try the Placette active. No gain, as transparent and clear as all get-out, but no "tube sound". Seriously, I think this may well get you exactly what you are looking for, unless you are married to having tubes in the preamp position.

I also second the First Sound suggestion.

Though I haven't heard one yet, you should atleast check out the "preamp deal of the century" thread (or something along that lines) re the Supratek is said to outperform all pre-amps regardless of price.

Dennis_the_mence- You're a hoot.

"I can't ever get the volume dial on my preamp past 11 o'clock."

"The VAC, according the Kevin Hayes, is sensitive, and needs a preamp that has LOW gain, ideally around 10dB."

Now you know why you can get the volume control past 11 o'clock.

Volume setting have nothing to do with power output capability, as Mr. Hayes has shown you.

Aloha.

Glad I amuse you Kana. Tell me, how are you so sure the VAC can't handle a 4 ohm load? Ever own this amp? ever speak with the manufacturer? or are you just going off of your obviously superior audio knowledge?

Dennis_the_menace- I love you guys with your mega buck amps.

To answer your questions, I'd never spend $14K on any amp. That said, I have no reason to speak with Mr.Hayes, unless he'd like to play some golf on Maui.

I'm sure the VAC is a great sounding amp. Since there's no hiend dealer here in Hawaii, I'll never get a chance to hear one.

I do know that no 65 watt tube amp on this planet can generate much current into low impedance loads. If it drives
your speakers great, but please don't confuse volume settings with power output.

Aloha.