Vac Renaissance Signature Mark II vs. Cary SLP-05

I'm sorry, I guess the PH-302 uses 6SL7's instead of 6SN7's. The SLP-05 uses the 6SN7's.

Try 5751 tubes in the 12AX7 positions. I've rolled such tubes in my VAC Standard LE and am very satisfied with the results. Tried many combinations and witnessed changes in the sonic signature, soundstaging and overall presentation.

Have a look at "Joes tube lore" in the internet. Even your friend could like the 12AX7 type of tubes by choosing the right ones for your VAC. And it is a less costly decision than selling to replace it by another unit.

The VAC Renaissance MK II is a fine machine, with a strong reputation, that deserves to be heard under different tube configurations before beeing replaced by something else.

Try a set of Stillpoints under the VAC. I've tried a lot of tweaks and the Stillpoints make the most dramatic difference of any tweak.

I agree with the above responses. The VAC is better than the Cary, IMHO. The Cary will sound a little beefier, if your speakers are lightweight, but BAT preamps would surpass the Cary in this region too.

The VAC gear has an 'air' about it, feathery light and great articulation that the Cary or BAT cannot match. The VAC will not 'blow you away' with any one aspect, but will sound more musically natural than Cary.

If you do want a preamp that will give you more than your VAC, you need to check out a ARC Ref 3, a Shindo or a Doshi preamp.

Cheers,
John