VAC 440 Statement mono blocks, any opinions

Pix on VAC's website look different than the originals. They now look more like the 300.1. I too would love to hear these monsters one day.

They will theoretically be at CES in January. I believe they have been improved upon since they originally came out, which accounts for the slightly different look. I would like to hear them against my 300.1s, but don't think that will happen anytime soon - I'll probably need a new house just to hold them :-)

I too would like to hear impressions from someone who has purchased them - I know pairs are being made and sold, and have been for a while.

Well guys it's time to refresh this thread because I have actually heard these, listen to them for three straight days.

This was a unique situation for a few reasons,

1. Real world situation, in someones home and just in a normal situation.

2. Three days of listening

3. Paired up with the same speakers (MBL 101E's) as mine along with same VAC Sig. MK2a pre w/phono. What are the chances this could ever occur?

4. Listen to both red book and my vinyl, later being my fav. and preference.

Listening; if anyone has followed along with my journey they know I have tried many different combo's in the end always being open minded, never looked at the price point. I always just wanted to hear what ever it was and in the end the result in my room with my associated gear with no pressure.

I could list the numerous amps but why, it's not really about them.

My initial listening impression's upon arrival;

1. The system was playing at a very low volumn and right away I could hear something very different and very special, everything was so clear, very low floor noise and just made me feel good.

2. After listening to this set-up for three days and going threw my evalution listening to different types of music at different volumn settings I was tring to find fault somewhere.

Answer;

The only fault I found during this time was my face was hurting from smiling so much, my sleep was also lacking.

All things aside and on the serious side I was looking for faults, any.

These mono blocks are crazy expensive but they are the REAL DEAL!

They truly are special amps and I have never heard anything anywhere that even comes close.

I'm not looking at getting into any debates, this is my own experience but if you ever have the opportunity do your self a favour and have a listen but prior to doing such make sure you are ready to drop some serious coin. The sonics they produce over all are absolutely breath taking! jaw dropping!

My hat goes off to you Kevin and all others involved for firstly coming up with such a design but in the end actually following through with such and producing such a master piece.

I was truely left in awe, I can't wait to get mine.

Dev- You were very fortunate to be able to hear that system in the manner that you were able to. Please be sure to let us know your reactions in your own system when they arrive and congratulations!

You opinion echoes those of several others I have spoken to who also have heard them and/or now own them, as Statement 450's. Its sounds to me as though the overall presentation was just a jaw-dropping event for you.

If possible, can you please discuss or at least point out any specific characteristics that really stood out for you? I know those of us that are already VAC owners, as well as others who are after the best sound they can find, would be extremely interested. Please don't make comparisons to other amps, because as you say, this isn't about them :-)

Thank you.

Hi Fplanner2010,

Your question; "If possible, can you please discuss or at least point out any specific characteristics that really stood out for you?"

Everything! What can I say I have never heard "experienced" anything like this before.

I truely was trying to find some fault.

It would very hard to write such without doing some comparisons and in the end all still being subjective and just my own take, doing this then I would get into debates with others which I have no interest in doing.

That's why I kept it simple letting others like yourself know that I did actually hear such.

As per my info. above being very unique for me was same speakers and pre-amp as mine and the set-up in a normal situation.

You would be best to write such once you get arround to hearing them in your own set-up due to you already owning their 300.1's and set-up in mono block configuration and same pre-amp as mine.

These are truely SPECIAL! and I just can't wait.

Personally for me it's a relief that my amp hunting days is finally over, bonus being that these amps over all sound far exceed my exspectations. I'm already very content with my current speakers, pre-amp, turntable and with one arm/cart combo, still have the other arm to pair up with a cart.

I'm very happy indeed!

Like I mentioned prior be warned!, what you are about to hear is very special indeed and something that you have never heard before, you will have to have them.