VAC PHI 2.0 or CTC Blowtorch or...

Exlibris, I heard my Blowtorch compared with a Meitner late last fall in an all out system. The Blowtorch had cleaner highs, as expressed by the other person, and in my opinion had greater dynamics and threw a bigger stage. The differences were apparent, at least to me.

I heard an H2O amp briefly once, and it was OK but that's all I'll say.

A fellow in Canada is taking delivery of a Blowtorch very soon, so you might have a chance to audition it in his system. Or if you're inclined to do so you could come down to Chicago for a visit. A friend has some definitive opinions on amplification for MBLs.

Brian

Brian,
Can you tell me where in Canada the Blowtorch is going; I'd love to finally hear it? I should note that in order for me to justify the cost of a new preamp, the difference between it and the DCC2 would have to be *significant*.

The reason I'm looking into the H2Os is because I can't afford the big MBL monoblocks or the CAT JL3 monos.

Thanks.

My closest hi-fi friend carefully compared his DCC2 to his Lamm L2 preamp, the latter clearly being one of the best sounding preamps made. The two preamps were so close in his system (an all-out system featuring $50k CAT Limited Edition monoblocks) that hearing or describing the differences was difficult. If you look at the threads, you will see that many others report comparing the DCC2 to top-notch preamps and finding the differences to be subtle, and sometimes, the DCC2 "winning". I will alert my friend to this thread and see if he has comments.

I own VAC Renaissance 140/140 monoblocks and think I have an idea of Kevin Hayes' sonic priorities. I could be wrong, but my guess is that the VAC, by virtue of using a triode circuit (two if you count the phono stage), will be a bit bloomier and lush than strictly neutral, and thus sound a bit colored (but good colored) compared to the DCC2, which to my ears is very neutral. You may want to read the Stereophile review of the VAC Renaissance Signature Mk. II preamp, which the Phi is evidently very similar to. The VAC will be built like a tank and never break.

I have never heard the Blowtorch (PS - why didn't they name it "Fireplug" or "Camshaft" or "Betty"?).

Yes, I've looked at the threads and seen that many others report comparing the DCC2 to top-notch preamps and finding the differences to be subtle.

Sprinbok10, however, clearly prefers his Atma-Sphere MP-1 mkII. I wonder, however, if this says more about the synergy between it and his Atma-Sphere amps?

Exlibris: I have two customers who have owned Blowtorch preamps and both prefer the DCC 2. They felt it has greater transparency and has a much more open sound. The VAC is definitely a totally different sound than either as described by Raquel.

I have heard both as well and will keep my comments to myself unless you would like to email me privately.