2. amps-preamps
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EXPERIENCED VAC USERS—most bang for the buck

To those of you who have experience with the VAC line, which combination of components do you think would provide the best sound? The Phi 300.1a amp combined with the Renaissance MkIII preamp, or the Phi 200 amp with the Signature MkIIa preamp?

Beyond the obvious difference in amp power, we're more interested in the quality of sound. So is there more of an improvement in sound going up from one amp to the other, or going up from one preamp to the other?

We have a limit on the client's budget for whom we're providing the system (which is why we can't combine the 300.1a with the Sig MkIIa), and, most unfortunately, we're not in a position to be able to audition the differences ourselves prior to providing the system to our client. Thanks for any input.
liszt458
bill_k
926 posts
 
For the definitive answer to your question, I would suggest contacting VAC directly. Kevin Hayes, the owner of VAC, has a reputation for being extremely helpful to customers. I'm sure that he could explain the benefits or tradeoffs that either configuration would offer.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I'm not trying to be mean, but I think it would be a good idea to send your client to a VAC dealer. You're talking about expensive, speciality equipment here. The customer deserves better than buying from an unauthorized dealer that knows nothing about the equipment they are selling. How can you possibly be qualified to handle a sale and service the customer properly at this level?
liszt458 OP
15 posts
 
Zd542, anything we provide, we are either authorized to provide ourselves, or provide through an authorized dealer. Our clientele live overseas and have neither the time nor the inclination to spend one minute of their own time shopping for or auditioning gear. The equipment is typically for their 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th homes in America. Obviously, they are not typical audiophiles. They want to know they have top quality gear (and usually, that knowledge alone is sufficient) and in many cases, they may not ever even listen to it.

As designers, we provide this service as an accommodation to them at their request, so we want to provide the best combinations possible for them. We do the best we can in this regard, and NEVER take a possible customer away from other authorized dealers. These are customers who would never walk into a store, and usually do not speak English. In those rare cases where they themselves take an active interest in the sound of a system, we do then refer them to authorized dealers. Thank you for your concern.
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