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
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.
I'd choose the Signature 2a with the Phi 200. Then, if funds permit later you client could add another Phi 200 and run mono. That's what I am running and couldn't be happier. Someday if funds permit I may move to the Statement stereo but no desire to now.
Sticking with the original question and the limitations/condition stipulated,if the speakers are efficient and don`t require the additional power I`d go with Phi 200 amp and the Signature preamp.Again this assumes there`s no possibility for an audition.
It really depends on the speaker. Having the correct power matchup for the efficiency of the speaker good be the big factor hear. Why don't you call Kevin at Vac in Florida? They are very honest and helpful guys.
Alan
I agree with Bill and Alan, the best resource to answer this question is Kevin Hayes at VAC. Give him a call, he is honest and very helpful.

Cheers,
John