VAC Signature Preamplifier mkII

Okay, so you got me interested.
(Currently, I am using an Ayre K-1xe, with phono boards, (which I love), but I've owned it for many years, and I'm starting to get the itch, if you know what I mean.)
And, since the VAC states it is a fully balanced preamp, I am very interested, especially after my experience with the Phi 300 amplifier.

As a lover of analog, the phono stage is a most imporant aspect to me.

What phono stages have you used in the past, and how does the VAC's internal phono stage measure up?

I love the Ayre's phono boards, as they are very, very quiet, (I LOVE deep, dark black backgrounds!), and one thing that I like, is that the Ayre does use XLRs for their phono inputs. (And the terminations from my Basis 2001, with Vector M3 tone arm, have been terminated with XLRs.)

What type of inputs does the VAC have for its phono stage?

What cartridge are you using with your VAC?

I am using a low output MC cartridge, (Dynavector XV-1S, w/0.3 MV output), and I would definitely want to know that the VAC could handle that low of a phono output without any compromise to the noise floor.

Thanks for all the information so far, and I'm looking forward to the full review!
:-)

I will add, as a tangent, that during the extended absences of my Jadis JP80 for repairs in the past, my fine dealer lent me preamps from time to time to cover for the Jadis. I heard the Lamm LL2 and L2, the Klyne, the Innersound and a few more, as well as the original, Mk I version of the VAC Renaissance. The VAC was my favorite of all those units (none of which are slouches), even though I only had it for a few days. Very natural sounding, dynamic, quiet, a true pleasure to listen to. Did not listen through the phono stage, not sure if it was installed in the unit I borrowed. My only complaint about it was that it did not have a balance control (or separate volume control for each channel, as with my Jadis). I know that is done for sonic reasons, but in some instances I think a way to control the volume for each channel is almost necessary, given room interactions, variability among tubes, etc. That aside, a wonderful piece of equipment.

I have had my Ren Sig MkII for a couple of years now, and paired with monoblock Phi 300.1's I cannot imagine wanting anything more, splendid equipment and spot on description of Kevin Hayes AudioBrian, one of the great minds and true gentlemen in the industry.

The only dedicated phono preamp I have owned is the Thor TA-3000, which enjoys a fine reputation, albeit company viability issues. As I do not listen to vinyl as much as digital, I have preferred very excellent full function preamps, with fine phono stages, like the VAC Sig mkII and the Accuphase 2410 with phono module.
The integrated phono section of the VAC is as good as the Thor TA 3000, and is actually more quiet (near silent)
I use an MC Transfiguration Orpheus at 0.3 mV with absolutely no problem with adequate amplification or noise.

Only RCA inputs standard for phono I'm afraid. However, Kevin will be happy to supply an XLR input, upon request at extra cost, if this is important to you....another example of VAC's willingness to work with their customers.

Can't go wrong if you're itching for a change.

Of course if you have a favorite dedicated phono preamp, you can feed it's outputs into one of two XLR line inputs on the VAC Sig II.

I should mention that the less costly Ren MKIII offers approx 90% of what you get with the Sig, including phono stage.....IMHO the best bang for the buck in preamps available...however the Sig mkII is one step better.

FWIW, I will say that I also enjoy the VAC sonic signature. I've owned/heard many great preamps including BAT VK-51SE, VK-32SE, ARC Ref 3, VAC Renasiance mk II, CJ Premier LS 16 mk II, and many, many others. I've also owned many great amps, Clayton M-100 monoblocks among them.

I still own a Basis 2500 Diamond Signature TT w/ Basis Vector 3 tonearm (with Basis Calibrator base and Dustcover) and ZYX UNIverse S-SB cartridge. I have however downsized my cabling and sold my seperates for an integrated amp (VAC Avatar Super w/ lots of NOS tubes).

While I do agree with Kurt_tank, that the VAC sonic signature is not as powerful in the bass region as some other manufacturers, like BAT, Krell, Clayton, etc, I do agree that from the mid-bass up, VAC is about as good as it gets. I think that Audiobrian has no problem with the bass while combining VAC with Clayton amps. I'm sure he has the best of both worlds, the finesse and air of the VAC with the power and punch of the Clayton's.

I would suggest to Audiobrian, that he could even improve his musical enjoyment with some better power cords. The Cardas Golden Reference are decent cords for their price range, but there are much better cords out there. My favorite are the Stealth Dream, which are much clearer and transparent than the Cardas, while still more musical than the Nordost Valhalla. Quality gear like you have Audiobrian, deserves better cords....you'll be surprised.

Cheers,
John

PS: BTW, I sold my ARC Ref 3 preamp and highly modified BAT VK-75SE amp, but I still have my Walker Signature phono stage. The VAC Avatar phono stage is MM, and I do have a SUT, but the Walker still beats the VAC phono stage by a significant margin. I suppose it should....since it's list price is higher than the whole VAC integrated amp's list price.