To Preamp Or Not To Preamp Vac 30/30 MkII

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,

02-23-13: Endoit
Thanks so much for your input. I find that Wadia works great at moderate to loud sound levels on the volume control i.e level 20-55 straight into the VAC. At low levels 8-20 I seem to loose dynamics, debth, seperation etc. When I use the Wadia at level 100 with a moderately priced integrated tube amp using amps volume control sound improves at low levels. Any thoughts on whether Wadia just works best set at the highest level?Endoit

It is most probably a digital domain volume control in the the Wadia, use it direct into the VAC and it will sound better than any preamp if it is used in the top 25% of full output, drop it below this and you get what's called "bit stripping" 14bit 12bit 10bit resolution the lower you go, this is probably what you are hearing when you use it at low level (less that 75% full up.)
You should put a $20 Alps Blue Velvet 20kohm passive volume potentiometer on the input of the VAC, adjust it to where then you use the Wadia's remote volume within it's top 25% of full output. (and the Wadia has a balance control as well).
You will have better sound and save yourself $2-$5K on a preamp that's not needed.

Cheers George

Thanks everyone. I guess I will try the internal adjustment on the Wadia first or get passive attenuators. If I can try out a decent preamp that would be next although it is not easy to gain access to one when you mostly buy on Audiogon. If anyone has done a Vac 30/30 MkII to MkIIIse upgrade any comments on sound improvement would be appreciated.

Good decision, and the easiest less expensive way to begin. Try the direct route and if possible passive components such as the Lightspeed etc.Then if possible compare this approach to a premium active line stage, your ears will decide.This thread can easily become the redundant passive vs active debate for the 100th time.After hearing both types you'll know which moves you more.Your amplifier provides a very solid foundation to build upon.
Regards,