2. amps-preamps
  3. 1332026632

VAC Owners:Outboard Phono Stage?

I'm contemplating my next upgrade. Thought you guys could help.

I spin mostly vinyl. I have a great analogue front end that feeds a VAC Standard LE pre and VAC PHI 200 amp, both of which I love. The MC stage on the pre is really good, but a little noisy (hiss). Kevin is sending me new 12AX7s that Brent will test for very low noise at the VACtory. Those guys just rock!

My question, however, is how much do I need to spend on an outboard MC phono stage if I want a significant upgrade to the already wonderful sound of the built-in stage?

I know, why don't I just enjoy the wonderful sound? Because it's upgrade time, baby! There will always be a next level (we really need a 12 step group for this hobby).

I'm looking at the Zesto Andros ($3900), the Herron VTPH-2 ($3700), and possibly the new Manley Chinook ($2200).

Ideally, I could audition these in my system, but the nearest dealer is far away, so I'll have to order one.

Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks,
Alón (no, not Wolf)
alonski
wrm57
1,070 posts
 
Alsonski, I found the Steelhead RC to sound better through my VAC preamp than directly into the amps. It's good but the VAC adds something special.
jwm
918 posts
 
The Aesthetix IO phono stage can have volume controls and inputs added. This will kill the Manley.
podeschi's avatar
podeschi
303 posts
 
I agree the VAC adds something special, raising the sound to the level as if everything was in a $100,000 reference system. The best description I can add to the sound that VAC preamps give is the phrase used before "lit within"....there is a sense of something being alive and vibrant....nothing "flat" about the sound. Not sure if it is the silver wiring, the tubes, or what, but the VAC preamp (I have the lower priced one...the Ren Mk III) is special as a linestage. If they built a phono stage at a reasonable cost that had that same magic....wow, get in line.
podeschi's avatar
podeschi
303 posts
 
Alonski,
Jeff Dorgay at TONEAudio I think wrote some reviews on the NAGRA preamp which has a phono pre built in if I'm not mistaken. That's one I would look at if you are seeking a stand alone unit. You may want to play around with the tubes in the VAC phono section too,....I'm curious if that raises the level of the VAC phono section part of preamp.
podeschi's avatar
podeschi
303 posts
 
Alonski,
One final idea based on what you are trying to accomplish. I recently heard the EAR 912. My dealer uses it as his reference phono/linestage preamp in his megabuck system (Magico speakers, $150k Clearaudio table, top of line synergistic research cabling, etc.). It was stunning. Clear as a crystal brook and very very dynamic. Probably the most dynamic punchy sound I've heard through a preamp. I'm sure the Magico speakers, the reference table etc had something to do with it, but the 912 sounded amazing. If I hadn't just purchased TWO reference preamps (need to unload one of them), I would have bought the 912 having heard it. I was afraid to buy it before because I read some reviews that said the top end was rolled off. Couldn't be further from the truth.
More to discover