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VAC Signature Preamplifier mkII

I just wanted to share with my fellow audiophiles how much I am enamored by my new VAC Ren Signature Preamp. It sounds fabulous, mates beautifully with tubes or SS, silent background and extremely musical. I have owned ARC Ref 3, VTL 7.5, and Accuphase 2410, all world class preamps. IMHO the VAC is simply more musical/natural, true of most of the VAC line.(the Ren mkIII is also a great preamp)

No I am not a dealer or spokesperson for VAC, just a satisfied customer....a great understated company, with few reviews, great execution, and wonderful people including Kevin Hayes, the quiet and modest master.
audiobrian
mtdking
157 posts
 
Audiobrian I really thought solid Brass feet from mapleshade under both the power supply and the main unit really helped with the VAC. Enjoy it...
jimi_p
6 posts
 
I too have a VAC Renaissance Signature mkII with phono stage and is the last preamp I will ever own. It replaced a Manley Steelhead. Prior to the Manley I had a Sonic Frontiers Signature with Sig Phono. A CAT reference, Pass, Spectral, Apt Holman, Phase Linear, VTL, CJ and an ARC.

The VAC is so musical and reliable. I just wonder why its such a well kept secret.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
The VAC is so musical and reliable. I just wonder why its such a well kept secret.

Jimi_p


Price. I also enjoy the sound of VAC gear, but it ain't cheap. This preamp listed for $18K and that was 5 years ago. That's 50% more than ARC's current top of the line Reference 5 sells for today. The fact that so few can afford to listen to it is why it's such a well kept secret.

Cheers,
John
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
"Price. I also enjoy the sound of VAC gear, but it ain't cheap." I agree John , cheap it ain't. However, for 18K, you are getting a great phono section. This would then make the Sig 2 price right on par w/ say a Ref 3/PH7 combo. Cheers!
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I don't think "Price" is the answer to why VAC gear isn't more popular. In fact, it is rapidly gaining in popularity as more people hear about/hear it.

Kevin Hayes purposely doesn't advertise nor cater to reviewers as do many others, believing in putting out the best possible product at his various price points. He definitely puts his clients first. As he says on his website:

"The fact is, each VAC component is hand built as a labor of love, in a time intensive way, and has enough of a 'diehard' following that there is usually an 3-12 week backlog of orders, and thus no units available for review. We do not view this as a problem: there isn't anyway to meet the higher than current demand that a 'great review' might create. Our focus is on making the best gear possible, not the best-reviewed gear!"

The last sentence says it all, IMO. I appreciate this and know that it's true from my conversations with Kevin. He definitely "walks the talk". I will happily continue to own VAC gear and if asked will continue to recommend it. Just my $.02.
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