Why Not More Conversation about VAC?

Jwm, Recently I replaced a Gold with a Supreme. The Gold is warmer and Supreme is more detail and higher resolution. HiFi Tuning fuse is directional. Facing the fuse holder, I prefer a right to left direction. In the other direction, the sound is lean and constricted and it's NOT subtle.

I AB against the stock fuse with familiar tracks, a constant volume and just swapping the fuses. I consistently found with the HiFi Tuning, sound was noticeably smoother and less hifi-ish.

VAC "costs" are relative - most VAC owners seem to keep their gear for quite a while, so their "investment" over time might be the same or even less than if they were trading out every 6 months, like a number of people do with other brands.

When you build great products that stand the test of time in the first place, there is no need for Kevin to be consumed with constantly upgrading everything, IMO. I really like the "if its not broke, don't fix it" business model VAC seems to employ. I have found their service to be exemplary, with reasonable turn-around times on the few instances my gear was at their facility.

Its easy to understand why things might occasionally fall through the cracks from the service side for about 6 weeks prior to and 4 after a major show like CES. This is not a criticism of VAC - its just common sense. I would think most people would realize this, but maybe not.

I've been extremely pleased with the quality and performance of my VAC gear and the service and assistance provided by Kevin and Brent has been without peer, in my experience. They have taken me off the pre-amp/amp upgrade merry-go-round and for that I am grateful - more time to listen to the MUSIC, which is what its all about.

Fplanner,
Great post, I agree completely...

Good listening,

Larry

I bought a used VAC phibeta pre here on the 'gon; the owners manual mentions NOT to try to tube roll...I am curious after reading some of these reads about people's experience with tube rolling vs stock tubes...is it possible? does it affect warranty? what are some good options; and how does one do it? I will also replace the fuse at the same time. this is my first forray into a tubed product. by the way; huge improvement in sound stage; detail, warmth, enjoyability since the VAC is in; and the Meridian 861 processor is out...glad to be part of VAC family.

Mribob,
The allure of tube rolling is a force, the temptation great. One can almost change, with a new tube, the overall sound presentation of their preamp. However, if the manual states, 'do NOT'--before considering a change, I'd want to personally talk to Kevin Hayes and find out what, if any effect it would have on the warrany...and moreover why he's opposed to doing so. Knowing Kevin, there are likely, very valid reasons for him opposing the change.
It won't hurt to ask, and at worst you're 'stuck' with the great sound you already know.

Mribob, don't you just love the voicing of VAC?

Good listening,
Larry