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Why Not More Conversation about VAC?

As I browse Audiogon's posts...I'm constantly amazed at the lack of attention, questions, remarks about VAC, (Valve Amplification Company).
First and foremost, I'm thinking that most if not all of us are music lovers--and I'm not aware, subjectively, of course, of more, just out and out, musical sounding electronics. And, I don't mean that in a perjorative, 'colored' sense...I mean that in the most flattering sense.
The lack of comments may mean nothing, but it just strikes me as 'absent' from good discussions.
Second, and beyond the stellar sound, if you want great gear, and a great person to buy it from, who better in terms of accommodation, knowledge and service than Kevin Hayes. Like the Bobster (Palkovic) his reputation for building first rate stuff and then backing it to the hilt is unsurpassed.

Kevin is also a great guy AND music lover of the first order...a friend too, but I'm not shilling here, just seriously wondering why VAC isn't further up the discussion ladder.

Kinda like reading Motor Trend Magazine, in which they 'Test Drive' a Mustang in EVERY ISSUE!!!

Just wondering.

Larry
lrsky
lrsky OP
1,118 posts
 
Fplanner,
Great post, I agree completely...

Good listening,

Larry
mribob
229 posts
 
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.
lrsky OP
1,118 posts
 
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
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
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 agree completely. This goes part and parcel w owning an "artisanal" product like this. There is, IMO a huge difference between this and the "bumps in the road" that one usually encounters in dealing w a "garage shop" operation. VAC has certainly stood the test of time in terms of quality, reliability, and accessibility. A wise man (or maybe woman) once said "Good oats are expensive. If you can be happy w oats that have already been thru the horse once, they are a lot less expensive."
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Mribob, VAC warranty is NOT transferrable and one of the reasons I bought mine new. The other is my preamp RARELY shows up on Agon.

I spoke with Kevin before rolling any tubes and changing the fuse. He gave me suggestions and offered his opinion. He is very supportive in my desire to experiment and always ask me to report anything interesting.

I buy all my rare NOS tubes from reputatable dealers. It's more expensive but have a peace of mine they are genuine and top quality. IMO, the only drawback in tube rolling is $$. Do your homework and if you don't like the changes, take them out.
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