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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)
Ag insider logo xs@2xalonski
dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 
Alonski, I agree with your statement made in relation to hearing the Vac pre w/phono paired up with the Vac Statement 450 mono blocks because thats been my current set-up for some time no driving my MBL 101E speakers and loven it. My table was the TW Acustic Black Knight with a Reed arm and MSL Ultra Be cart and sounds absolutely marvelous.

I have tried numerous costly external phono stages, I found my self liking this or that but upon listening back to my Vac just sounded amazing. My next phono to listen to is the Burmester 100, crazy price but ... Will see, also Kevin has been working on a Referrence phono which will be coming out soon and should be very interesting.
podeschi
303 posts
 
Received my VAC 450S and it is incredible....as great as my VAC 300.1a was, this is better...more holographic, makes the speakers disappear even more, etc. And I have non-flagship VAC preamp (Ren Mk III) which I love. Took delivery of the Magico S5 speakers, so now I am done...if I spend money it will be on little tweaks and headphone stuff.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
alonski OP
158 posts
 
Dev and Podeschi,

Congratulations on your superb choices. I covet your Statement 450s, both the stereo and the mono blocks. When it was in the VACtory, Kevin told me that I own the best Standard LE with MC he's ever heard (I'd love for him to hear the incredible improvement the outboard SUT makes), but when I can, to acquire another Phi 200. He said having two is such a quantum leap in musicality and ease. However, my local dealer Bob agreed, but said that a stereo 450 would simply blow away my two Phi 200 mono blocks. Any thoughts on this statement (so to speak)?
fplanner2010
283 posts
 
Even though I am not a phono guy, I've had VAC gear for years. I believe your dealer is correct re:450s - its at a different build/sonic level than the 200's.
fplanner2010
283 posts
 
Having said that, I can also agree that going from 1 to 2 200s is probably better than a doubling of goodness, judging from the improvements I got going from 1 300.1 to 2 of them. Huge difference and afterwards had a hard time believing I had been perfectly happy with just 1.

You get spoiled.... :-)
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