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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)
alonski
podeschi's avatar
podeschi
303 posts
 
Ears over ego. I could have bought the signature preamp to match my vac 450 but was too happy with my vac renaissance Mkiii preamp to bother. Sometimes less than the flagship is more than enough. In my case I love the renaissance so much i would be nervous even trading up. Ears over ego! Congrats on your purchase. Enjoy!!
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Alonski, contact Kevin and change your order to the Statement.
whart's avatar
whart
3,180 posts
 
I think it was Pierre Laval, a pretty famous judge, who said "It's nice to be on the cutting edge as long as you're not the salami." I'm glad you have a sense of humor about all this Alonski, because this kind of issue - model changes and new 'ultimate' products-typical of some manufacturers (not VAC as far as I know) - make some hobbyists nuts.
Since in many cases, I haven't bought the 'latest' model, but have taken advantage of such changes in a manfacturer's line-up to buy the superceded model, used, this has not driven me to distraction. And, I think some manufacturers- not all- offer upgrade programs for loyal customers.
In your case, I doubt this new Statement preamp will be available soon anyway, even if that's what you wanted. (Perhaps I'm wrong, but the time lag from first announcement to actual delivery can sometimes be considerable).
So, enjoy your new preamp. When you are ready, upgrade if that's what you want.
In my experience, though I'm not suggesting that it will be the case here, sometimes the newer product isn't necessarily better or more musical anyway.
alonski OP
158 posts
 
I spoke to Kevin today, and in his inimitable quiet manner (I could practically see his smile over the phone) he hinted that maybe possibly there's an outside chance that if the phase of the moon intersects with the Dow Jones moving average that there just might be a Statement Preamplifier at CES in January... but he held back on actually saying "yes."

What I did get confirmation of is a Statement (?) Outboard Phono Stage! What he described had me drooling in less than a minute. OMG, this will be the Mother of All Phono Stages... and priced accordingly. I could hear the delight in his voice, he was obviously very excited about unveiling his creation. If I didn't have plans already (like, you know, working my business to pay for my Signature preamp), I'd be making reservations for the big show. I'll be glued to the blog coverage as it happens. If any of you go, please post what you see and hear from VAC on this thread so I can wallow in jealousy.
alonski OP
158 posts
 
Gentlemen,

After weeks of anticipation torture, I finally received my Signature mkIIa preamp with the MC/MM phono stage! I guess I got in just under the wire, because after January 1st the price has gone up to $23,000 including phono stage, which now lists for $5000 as an add on.

I'm finding myself just staring at it at times... It truly is a thing of beauty. I opted for the mirror-polished silver knobs on the black faceplate to match my system and it's just gorgeous.

After all the discussion about burn in hours and ways to expedite that process, I decided not to deprive myself of the forthcoming experience of the sound getting gradually (is it possible?) better. I'm euphoric. The day I installed it to replace my trusty VAC Standard LE, I didn't get to sleep until 7:00am the next morning! You guessed it, I was up all night coming up with appropriate expletives to define my shock. My wife was sleeping and I was listening at low volume and still heard things I never heard before and marveled at how this instument recreates the soundstage even at a SPL that would be appropriate for soft background music!

You would think that after a few decades of audiophile experience I would be better prepared. Uhhh...not so much. Even right out of the box, this beautiful beast and its incredible phono stage had me pulling out LP after LP and blowing my socks off. Paired with my Phi 200 amp, this is by far the best system I've ever heard in my home or anyone else's.

I'll go into more detail as the pre burns in, but for now I want to thank all of you who kindly posted on this thread and helped me make the decision to invest in this superlative pre with the optional phono stage. What I learned is that the Sig2a's phono has its own power supply, it does not share the line stage's power supply, which sounds like it may account for at least part of its remarkable performance with vinyl.

I've never been happier with my system. This pre, although not inexpensive, is making everthing sound better and on some recordings I'm left breathless. I'm totally smitten. I can't get the goofy smile off my face.

I'll check in soon, but please feel free to ask any questions or comments.

Once again, thanks for helping me get to this magical place in audio nirvana. Kevin Hayes is an industry superhero!
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