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VAC vs Conrad Johnson Amps?

I have had my Conrad Johnson Premier 12 140w/side tube monoblocks for many years and loved them.  Essentially they sound to me like Michael Fremer had described them in his long-ago review:  the CJ tube magic, with zest, power and control.  They've been able to drive pretty much every pair of speakers I've had, large or small.

At the same time I've always had some lust for the VAC amplifiers.  It started long ago when I heard VAC amps make Thiels sound like I'd never heard them before - liquid, astonishingly transparent and musical.  I managed to get much of this with my CJ amps paired with my Thiel 3.7s (and other speakers), but given that transcendent moment with VAC, and knowing how many of the highest end speaker manufacturers choose to use VAC and display their speakers with VAC amps, I'm left wondering "What If..."

I see people happy with amps like the phi 200 but I sometimes see the Phi 300.1 become available second hand (the only way I could afford that one).  It's 150W per side vs my CJ 140W, and I've read the VAC has good reputation for bass performance (I like good bass control) and driving many big speakers.  I wonder if any of the possible quality of the VAC would be off-set by the purportedly better separation you get with monoblocks - e.g. my CJs.

As I mentioned, I'm currently using Thiel 3.7s, with some 2.7s arriving soon, but I also own MBL 121s and like to keep my options open.  I'm also interested in the Joseph Audio Perspective speakers so would want an amp that has good grip on ported speakers as well.  I wonder what I may gain, and/or what I might lose, going for a VAC phi 200 or especially the 300.1, vs my CJ Premier 12s.

Anyone who has helpful experience to contribute, please do so!  Thanks!


prof
lrsky
1,118 posts
 
Back to the issue of sound, I've heard both for many years. As much as I love Bill and Lew, the VAC gear is on another level of music reproduction. The prices are iirc, likewise.
VAC will drive the 3.7, BUT, I would call Kevin Hayes personally and talk to him and get his best advice. He will be forthcoming, and is a prince to deal with.... great man, great products.
Larry
prof OP
3,473 posts
 
Thank you Irsky!

Anyone have any idea of the sonic differences between the Phi 300.1
and the Phi 200?

On one hand my rack space is low and I like the idea of downsizing from 2 monoblock amps to a single amp - though of course I don't want to lose quality, and I presume VAC will be a step up.

On the other hand, the 200 is cheaper and can add a second one later.

Thoughts?
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Vac Renaissance is all Class A. I Heard a 30/70 sig, and 70 mk. 3.  I enjoyed the CJ Premier 8a very much, and the teflon upgrade may take them to another level. I also owned a Vac Phi 300.1, and a Standard 220 Signature. If I were to return to a low-mid efficiency speaker, I would look to the Vac Renaissance. Cheers -Don
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Prof 

There is a gentleman selling both a VAC 200 and Premier 12 monos on Agon. You may want to PM him directly for his impressions on both. In any case good luck with your quest.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
The Renaissance series of power amplifiers are a different breed from Phi offerings. I’m very familiar with the Phi 300.1 mono blocks. . In the realm of Pentode tubes in a push pull class AB circuit they are definitely uppermost tier. Very tough to beat in this genre.

The VAC Renaissance was a very different design approach. 300b (DHT rather than pentoode/tetrode output tube) push pull with superb quality power supply and transformers. With a properly matched speaker you’re talking premium grade sound quality and a DHTinspired  beautiful natural midrange. Two different pathways. 
Charles
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