VAC Owners:Outboard Phono Stage?

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.

Congrats Alonski! Business must be great that Kevin can jack up the prices.

After the pre is broken in, 1st change I would do is upgrade the fuse and then start rolling some tubes and PCs :-)

Kevin recommended 1960 era Phillips 7308's for the 6922's but said to be sure you buy from a reputable tube seller and expect to pay a lot. Be sure I have the right brand; I am pretty sure it is the Phillips. He may have suggestions for the 12AX7's but I purchases Psvane 12AX7's from Grant Fidelity. Buy Gran'ts best quality; they do some extra testing to be sure of quality. I find them very quiet and musical. Again, enjoy. And Knghifi, you are right; Kevin doesn't sell out to reviewers; his character and integrity is too high to do so.

Whart- thanks, it's really all about the hobby for me. Music makes me smile, cry (yup), and shout what I consider "happy profanities" from my listening chair when my system surprises me.

Hifimaniac- not only did we have a similar experience, we have a bunch of the same gear! Same preamp, amp, record cleaning machine and Ortofon cartridge. I'm hoping NOT to hear the Statement Amps for a while, you understand why...

As for tube rolling and power cords, knghifi, I'm with you dude. How many hours did you wait? I usually figure about 100 or so for tube amps and preamps. My amp is fully cooked, but I only have 7 hours on the Signature2a.

What tubes have you Sig owners had best success with? How about fuses? Power cords? A special call out to any Sig owners who, like hifimaniac, are also loving life with a VAC Phi 200 or two.

Please also indicate where the tubes ended up. I'm especially interested in rolling results you've had in the phono stage.

Wow. I just experienced something amazing... As I am writing this, my wife came in to kiss me goodnight and said with a smile "it sounds great babe... It's the kind of sound that makes me want to listen to tracks over and over again!" I stared at her dumbfounded, she's never said anything like that before. I told her I will turn down the volume so she could sleep and she says "no, this is fine, keep it at this level."

Next to "I do," I've never been more surprised at what's come out of her mouth (and my fortune in this life).