2. amps-preamps
  3. 167717-155632

VAC preamps - too expensive?

VAC makes great products so i hear.  The Linestage Master lists for $28k and next one down is Signature, for $22k.  Add $12k for a phonostage.

anybody have experience with these units?

its a marketing strategy.  Yeah the $22k Signature is very nice but for just $6k more u get a much better unit. Might as well get the Master.  Pretty clever.  Oh and they offer a line stage called the Statement for $80k and it comes with chrome and a skylight so u can view whats inside.  The Master has most of what the $80k Statement has (no skylight) so i guess the $28k Master seems a great deal.  Pretty clever.






jumia
jumia OP
528 posts
 
19,248 posts.  Party time at 20k.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,304 posts
 
Do I win a prize for hitting that? I’m looking for a world class integrated amp. A VAC would do just fine.

It’s not easy to be around for many years and post regularly without getting banned or just plain burned out at some point prior. I did take a hiatus for a year or so a few years back. I know at least one person missed me.

I still like music and hifis and all that goes with that. I’d rather talk about that than most anything else. I’m a creature of habit I suppose. Music is a wonderful sedative and way to relax from life’s stresses. Very healthy! The better music sounds, the better it is.

THe "high end" is an interesting place. Especially for a guy from Amish Country like me.  Lots of opportunities to help cut through the noise and get to the meat when it comes to good sound. You learn along the way but the noise never stops. There are expensive things to sell! Just have to find a choice few who are ready and willing to go there.


gochurchgo
921 posts
 
Audiophillia is a rich man's hobby. The plethora of mid-fi gear is a relatively recent thing and the reason why Youtube reviewers live in that space. Its growing fast and seeing much innovation. It proves the markup on gear is massive.

The haves will always diminish the have-nots. Its why the whole hobby is not growing year after year. Some brands coast on name cache (Mac) and others will build items that punch far above their weight (Decware). But once the vinyl boom fizzles out, segments of the hi-fi market will disappear forever.
jumia OP
528 posts
 
So whats comparable to a VAC preamp?
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,304 posts
 
Audio Research is a common option. I use an Audio Research tube pre-amp with phono. Only 6 tubes I run these days. Cost under $2k new during a sale a few years back to make way for newer model.

I’ve had a handful of VAC auditions. Won’t say the two sound the same but both are top notch and seem to shoot for a similar sound, less "tubey" and more SS than many.

My local ARC dealer also sold Rogue as a lower cost option. Nothing he sold ever sounded less than superb.
More to discover