Best Integrated, period.

Curriemt11,
As much as I love the Gryphon, I have to say that I know you're in for a treat when the VAC arrives. Not only is the VAC gear wonderful, Kevin Hayes is one of the most honorable designers I've ever met. Though a bit different, he reminds me so much of my personal mentor and friend of 30 years, the late Jim Thiel.
Brilliant, understated, music lover who has only the 'best intentions' for everything that he puts on the street.
In a different world, (maybe just across the pond even) a guy like Kevin would be exhaulted by everyone as an audio God! LOL...
Please tell us, as this unit breaks in, and give it time, how it sounds...please?

Larry Staples

Hi Larry,

I've had several conversations with Kevin Hayes just lately. Couldn't ask for a nicer, more helpful individual.

With regard to Jim Thiel, I met him while attending university in Lexington. This was in 1980 when he was just starting out. Great guy, and sorely missed.

I'll post my impressions later.

Mike

Hi Mike,
We'll all be looking forward to the inside scoop on the VAC.
Kevin and I met back in 2002 I believe...I arrived at the Vegas show late, went directly to his demo room--he said, "I'm worn out, got to get dinner."
Three hours later, after listening to his best and music selections, I bought him dinner at the Alexis Park Bar. What a great guy--what a music lover. He too is enthralled by great music and great recordings.

Larry

To: Hifisoundguy

Good news - we are adding Neodio for US distribution so stay tuned for formal announcement. Very excited about these very special designs!

Jim Ricketts/tmh audio

I received my new VAC Phi Beta 110i yesterday. Apart from the PITA of lugging the bulky 100 lb main unit upstairs to my listening room, installation was a snap.

A few initial comments:

1) From a functional standpoint, and for my particular circumstances, this is absolutely perfect

2) Aesthetics - also perfect. Even my distinctly non-audiophile wife says it's 'pretty'.

3) And the most important bit, the sound - I can only say that I am very, very tired this morning, as I was up until after 2am listening. I'm not one to make snap judgments, but I can tell you that after it was well warmed up, my impression is that this is the finest amplification I've ever heard. I've owned various combinations of gear over the past 30 years (including Atma-Sphere, Aesthetix, CAT, Supratek, Ayre MX-R, Messenger, even a CTC Blowtorch), but nothing has blown me away at first listen the way this did. I'll reserve further comments until I get the full measure of the amp.