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
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
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. I see some of you have your own great VAC systems, so I appreciate all the insight.
I own the Phi 200, which I use happily with a Shindo Monbrisson preamp. My vote, aside from asking Kevin, would be to get the Phi 200 with the Signature II-A. The better the source it is fed, the better the Phi 200 sounds. My $.02.
I general I would always suggest getting the best possible pre-amp, all other things being equal. I'm also sensing an undercurrent that perhaps Liszt458 may not be in a position to contact VAC directly if he is "reselling" the equipment.