VAC preamps - too expensive?

Iv owned VAC Pre-amps for 6 years, enjoyed it very much never thought il ever upgrade to another pre-amp.

They can be had for cheap on the secondhand market, but once i heard a Fully Loaded Atma-Sphere MP-1 Pre-amp i sold off my VAC and never looked back.

VACs make some good stuff. If you can not afford new buy second hand.

For me the Atma-Sphere MP-1 felt like the room was filled with music rather then just projecting outside from the speaker. It felt effortless, transparent, smooth, more alive with energy.

I listened to a VAC preamp at a B&M store locally over a decade ago and loved the sound. It left me wanting to own one some day. Sure enough I ended up buying my Signature Mk IIa SE several years ago and never looked back. Yes the Master is a step up, and I’m sure that I’ll move up the chain at some point.


Also don’t forget to get a pair of nice 6922’s. I bought two pairs of Telefunken’s both cryogenic and non, and they’re worth every penny. Amperex’s are very good too.

I am late to the party, but have owned a VAC CLA1 MKII Dual Mono Pre Amp for many years. I am the second owner and other than Tubes, it has been in use and sounding fantastic for many years. It now resides in System 2. I believe it was around $4500 in the 90s so Relative to some of today's prices somewhat. I would love to drop the cash for a full VAC system, but I also want to retire :)

Service from VAC is also great. I called to ask questions about re-tubing and Kevin answered the phone and gave me close to a half hour of his time.

If you can afford it, and you like the newer looks, you really can't go wrong owning it.

@noromance 
I upgraded from a MP-3 to an MP-1.
Major difference.
If you can afford it, go for a MP-1.

Or you could get the MP-3 Fully Optioned with the Caddock Volume.