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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
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
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
liszt458 OP
15 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. I see some of you have your own great VAC systems, so I appreciate all the insight.
rcprince
3,083 posts
 
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.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
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.
liszt458 OP
15 posts
 
Always fascinating to see the assumptions made by some when a simple question is asked regarding the opinions of experienced users. Swampwalker, thank you for the advice, but your "undercurrent" sensing skills are not as acute as you might think. I have spoken at length with Kevin already—my apologies for not informing you sooner—and the nature of our business relationship with him is not the topic of this thread. He is the true gentleman everyone describes and could not be more helpful or informative.
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