VAC Preamplifiers

I’ve tried both the Ren V and Master in my system. Sure, the Master is better - no argument there - it fixes the V’s various minor deficiencies in bass and dynamics, etc. But personally I found it hard to quantify the cumulative effect as night-and-day better, and for a pretty steep price increase - from 10K to 28K (no phono options). That’s money which could be similarly put into a standalone Renaissance SE phono, or towards some Signature 200 iQ monos - I own both of these, they’re absolutely fantastic IMO, and they were both game-changers in my system. FYI all 4 (Renaissance standalone phono, Renaissance V pre, 200 iQ monos, Master - in that order) started as no-risk auditions in my system, and the Ren phono and 200iQ monos were the 2 of the 4 trials that became immediate "must buy"’s.

Superficially, you’re also right - the Master seems to have just the very expensive custom motorized RK50 volume pot (standard motorized RK27 in the V) and beautiful casework as its main differentiators - maybe also adding some more PSU horsepower, and better resistors / cap parts.

Also, I really really like the ARC Ref 6 preamp if you don’t mind some deviation from the VAC sound. The Ren V has those oh-so-sweet VAC mids over the ARC, but other than that the Ref 6 is just stupid good from top to bottom.

Anyways, as always YMMV. But I agree with everyone else in that VAC is a GREAT company that makes phenomenal gear, and you can't go wrong with any of their current offerings! I highly recommend becoming a VAC owner ASAP!

Thank you mulveling!  A very informative and helpful assessment. I aspire to own a Master but the steep price difference between the Ren V and Master will keep me at the very capable 
Ren V.  I’ll give a look at ARC as well.

VAC SigMKIIa SE is the value in preamp lineup IMO
https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/valve-amplification-corporation-signature-mk-iia-se-line-stage/

@joecasey   Thanks for sharing that link.  I completely identify with the reviewer as I too have a thing for combining tube preamps with SS Class A amplifiers.  Combining a VAC Ren MKV with a Pass XA30.8 makes for wonderful synergy in my home.  I agree with him...it's not too much of a good thing ;-)