VAC 160i, any experiences

04-06-12: Wig
The Vac 160i does come with a remote, volume control only.

Does the VAC 160i remote only control volume, or does it also mute? I have a VAC preamp and I am considering going after the 160i, but I do use the mute button quite often when changing LP's. I would definitely miss a mute button.

69db S/N ratio?? Really? That's gonna be audible folks and reduce contrast...maybe a Cary SLI-80 or a Rogue Cronos Magnum would be a better option. Check out Pacific Valve also for some killer tube gear at very affordable prices and better performance.

Never mind, I found out it does not have mute capability. This is a deal-breaker for me. I'll look for an Avatar instead.

Did you read the Avatar review in Stereophile? The noise, S/N and THD figures are not great at all and it's preamp short circuited plus the 4ohm tap had problems...VAC obviously has serious problems. So many quality choices exist...look around!

I've owned two Avatar's Dave, they were dead quiet and extremely musical. VAC must not have paid Stereophile enough $$$. Who cares what some glossy review says?

Stereophile's John Atkinson loved Mark Levinson gear, which I thought sounded dreadful. It's MY money, I'll buy what I want, not what some glossy rag tool tells me to want.