VAC Owners:Outboard Phono Stage?

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.

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!

Good for you, Alonski. It's nice to hear about someone enjoying their gear, instead of worrying about it, bitching about it, or talking about replacing it (which are three popular topics on most of these audio chat boards).
Enjoy~

Hey Alonski you put a huge smile on my face the way you described your first listen to the Signature 2a; I was the same way. It crushed my ARC REF 5! I had to put on a Lobster bib to catch my drool! I have to tell you I heard the Statement preamp and phono at CES and before I did I was thinking to myself, "how much better could this be". Trust me, it is UNBELIEVABLE! Everything the Sig 2a does this does better and effortlessly. Anyone looking for a pre amp that doesn't consider the Statement is nuts. I hope I make some money again so I can buy one someday. The Statment Phono was killer too. You should see if there are pictures on the web site of the inside; the build is meticulous; the sound better. Kevin told me it is hard for him to listen to the Sig after creating the Statement. He also told me I need to move up the amp line to really enjoy greater sound. I still don't know why Kevin doesn't get more accolades his stuff is so much better than the other tube stuff out there. Until I upgrade I will enjoy the superb sound of the stuff I own.

Hifimaniac, that is easy. The companies that seem to get the recognition are the ones with big bucks to take out full page adds and get a great review from Valen. The best companies out there are like VAC, low key and word of mouth sales.