2. amps-preamps
  3. 1148599014

Any VAC Phi 30/30 Owner's?

Hi:

I am the happy owner of a VAC Phi 30/30 amp, having stretched my budget when it came up on Audiogon a few months ago. This must be a rare piece, as I really haven't seen any posts by other owners. It's extremely refined and airy, but I suspect it's true potential is being masked by my Audible Illusions Mod 3a preamp. The speakers are Reynaud Trentes with Kimber Select KS-3035 cables. I'd like to upgrade the preamp but my budget is limited to the Modwright 9.0SE, Supratek Syrah or used Cary SLP-98P range. Are their any other VAC owners who could suggest a synergistic move within my budget of around $2,000? Would it be worth going to cheaper speaker cables to extend my available budget for electronics? I prefer a full function preamp, as I listen to vinyl.
garyralph
garyralph OP
53 posts
 
No, we didn't discuss the PHI preamp. It's out of my price range, so there was no point. This is the first I've heard about it being discontinued.

Regarding the Renaissance series pre's. Yes, they're beyond my budget right now also. It's just that Kevin recommended them as a good match.

Tvad, how do you like the Lamm LL2 Deluxe with the PHI 110/110? I'm thinking about that vs. Modwright at the moment. If memory serves correct, from your previous posts, you preferred the LL2 to the 9.0SE. Could you say why?
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garyralph OP
53 posts
 
Thanks Tvad. I notice the LL2 has only 3 inputs, one of which is "direct,". I don't know what that means. Will it accomodate a CD player, tuner and phono preamp?
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711smilin
513 posts
 
I have the reference linestage now, but, should have my battery powered in about 30 days, or so. I have pre-paid for it. I have compared, side by side, in my system with the Act 2, and blowtorch, and prefer the RLS of Gary's, cost not considered. Man oh man, whatabargain.
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