There is a VAC Renaissance for sale right now. It is a true differential balanced input and output. Each input is selectable for single ended or balanced with a toggle switch. The balanced inputs can be utilized even if the source is not a true balanced output. The remote control has volume, mute, and source utilizing motorized switches. If you are tired of hiss and hum and want dead quiet this preamp is for you. The build quality is outstanding plus it's a very eye catching piece. Check the review in Stereophile of the Signature version as I feel it applies equally to the standard version. When I purchased mine, I was expecting maybe something like a 20% improvement over my previous Audio Research preamp but I got like 100% better. This is an outstanding preamp.
Balanced Tube Preamps I Should Try
I am looking for a balanced tube preamp to mate with either my Pass X-250 or Sim Audio W-5 amps. I think the amps sound better using the balanced inputs. I would like a tube preamp with remote control if I can find a very good one. Price range would be $5K retail.
Thanks and Happy Listening.
Thanks and Happy Listening.