I wanted to share that I received my VAC pre. a few days ago, the fit and finish is top notch (I got mine in silver/chrome combo including a nice simple metal remote, not plastic like allot of others.
I have owned along with being very fortunate to have had many world class pre's in my set-ups over the years, ARC, MBL, VTL, JRD, DARTZEEL, BAT, to name a few and presently own a ARC REF3 and the VAC.
I will say in my own experience and placing this specific VAC pre-amp straight out of the box into my system had me saying "this is really nice, I am hearing huge positive sonics going on never mind the stage presence right across the entire spectrum and know from past experience that it will only continue during break-in process, this is a welcomed surprise and very nice!" This has never happened before, my last pre that I had for audition was the new ARC REF5 and in my set-up it did not offer such, it was well broken-in.
The VAC has now been in my set-up for a few days and on 24/7, all I can say is this sure is a whole new world and the differences are all very positive across the board, my MBL's are very happy!
I'll comment more when I have put some hours in.
Current set-up;
MBL 101E speakers VAC pre as above mentioned with phono Bryston 28 Squared mono blocks Torus RM20, one for each mono block MBL 1621a transport ACCUSTIC ARTS HYBRID TUBE DAC w/different tubes TW RAVEN ONE PHONO Graham Phantom MKII arm Dynavector XV-1s cart
Cables; Stealth through out, I have tried allot of others and I'm very happy with this product line, I find myself no longer looking I'm off the mari-go-round
-Two runs of Dream cables to the speakers for true bi-wire -Indra's with latest connectors, XLR's through out -Dream power cables through out -Hyperphono for arm connection -Sextet AES with latest XLR connectors
I have only been using my REDBOOK CD so far, I also have a Audia Flight One phono that I'll be able to compare to the one built-in the VAC pre. and have a couple others to compare but this will be farther in the fall time and I'm looking forward to it.
I find my VAC Signature MKIIa pre-amp sounds great with every amp I tried, both SS and tube. Every time it's removed from the loop, the degradation is amazingly obvious. It's the foundation to my system.
This is the 1st tube component that I have no desire to tweak. I have Amperex Holland e88cc SQ tubes, HiFi Tuning gold fuse ...
Update, haven't hit the 400 mark as of yet on the line stage but getting there, I'm at 280 hours and really enjoying.
I have 95 hours now on the phono and really enjoying my vinyl journey, haven't played my RedBook since.
I read 400 hours for the line stage to really open up, is there much of a difference sonic wise from where I'm currently at? if so what is the difference.
The phono stage I haven't been able to find any comments from other users, how many hours for this and sonic wise?
Is there an ultimate cart to use with this phono, possible match made in heaven? I'll have to contact Kevin and ask. Was at a freinds and really liked his Lyra Olympos cart paired up with a Schroder Reference and TW AC3, might be my next cart but in no hurry. My arm is the Phantom MKII
Dev, I suggest contact Kevin for his recommendations ... he's a great guy to deal with.
I've been talking to Kevin in regards to tube rolling. He suggests Philip 7308/e188cc as an alternative to the stock Golden Dragon NOS e88cc.
I have a MP of NOS Phiip Holland ecc88 SQ w/Gold Pins from my SF gear that is similar to Philip 7308 and I like the changes. Sound is bolder, more focus with well defined edges, more neutral than the Golden Dragons.
I like both tubes so will change when bored ... cheaper than buying new gear :-)
Not inexpensive but will get some Philip 7308 / e188cc to roll too.
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