To Preamp Or Not To Preamp Vac 30/30 MkII

I don't have a 30/30 but my experience with and without preamp up to now makes me tend to agree with ZD542 recommendations.

I have often been challenged with the same question. I have and love the VAC 70/70 but that isn't relevant to your question. IMO, it ultimately depends on your input source (and how many) , but I lean towards having one than not. A preamp removes the raw sound, provides coherence and helps with the imaging I have found. My input source is Sonos and I have tried with/without a pre and always go back to the pre. It's easier on the ears and simply brings everything together. My pre is a First Sound tube pre and whereas not all preamps are the same, I would still prefer one in my system for the reasons I mentioned.

Goodluck

+1 Charles1dad on the amp and the demand for a great pre-amp. It is a great amp (I own one) and am have always been of the opinion that a pre-amp is the heart and soul of the system. Never heard the Coincident but from all reports it is very very good. Of course, you might want to consider pairing it w a VAC pre, also.

Having recently paired a Vac 70/70 Ren mk3 with a Emotive Epifania with stunning results i would say run,don't walk to buy the little brother of the Epifania,the Sira that is for sale right now.It has the remote and v-cap option.This is right in your price range.

Swampwalker,
A good friend has the VAC Signature MK II and it is excellent sounding (I've heard it multiple times over a 3 year period). You won't find it in the stated price range, not even used.The CSL can be purchased new for just over 5K, both are superb without question.
Regards,