Why Not More Conversation about VAC?


As I browse Audiogon's posts...I'm constantly amazed at the lack of attention, questions, remarks about VAC, (Valve Amplification Company).
First and foremost, I'm thinking that most if not all of us are music lovers--and I'm not aware, subjectively, of course, of more, just out and out, musical sounding electronics. And, I don't mean that in a perjorative, 'colored' sense...I mean that in the most flattering sense.
The lack of comments may mean nothing, but it just strikes me as 'absent' from good discussions.
Second, and beyond the stellar sound, if you want great gear, and a great person to buy it from, who better in terms of accommodation, knowledge and service than Kevin Hayes. Like the Bobster (Palkovic) his reputation for building first rate stuff and then backing it to the hilt is unsurpassed.

Kevin is also a great guy AND music lover of the first order...a friend too, but I'm not shilling here, just seriously wondering why VAC isn't further up the discussion ladder.

Kinda like reading Motor Trend Magazine, in which they 'Test Drive' a Mustang in EVERY ISSUE!!!

Just wondering.

Larry
lrsky

Showing 11 responses by jwm

In the VAC Sig 2A preamp tube rolling makes a big difference in my opinion. In the 6DJ8 position I like Brimar (England) ECC88, Amperex 6DJ8A Frames Flying Saucer Getter. In the 12AU7 position I like Mullard (1950's) 12AU7 2 Support D Getters, French Mazda 12AU7, Tungsol 12AU7A.
Dev, I agree with you. I have had many amps and preamps in the past CJ, VTL, CAT, MFA, and I must say the Phi 300.1 and VAC Sig. Mark IIa preamp are the best I ever had. They are not only the most musical, but also are very transparent and engaging. I could hug Kevin Hayes for all the enjoyment. I think I will next time I see him either at Rocky Mountain or CES. I would love to hear his best amps in my system, but I probably would have to have them, will see.
Dev, I am using Brimar ECC-88 and Mullard 12AU7 (1950's) 2 Support Square D Getter tubes in the Preamp. In the amp I am using Kevin's Chinese KT-88 and all RCA 6SN7 GTB black base tubes in the input stage. My oh my as Sulu says in those tv ads.
I think you will be overjoyed. Yes let us know what you think and of course as Kevin says welcome to the family. You will want to experiment with tube rolling. I like RCA 6SN7's from the late 1950's in the input stage of the amplifier. The preamp also sounds better with vintage tubes. If interested I can recommend some to you.
I was just blown away tonight. I just replaced two of my RCA 6SN7 in my PHI 300.1 with Sylvanias in there place. So now the two middle positions are the RCA's and the two outer areas are Sylavanias. This seems to be the best combiantion of both tubes. Beautiful warmth and presence oh MY.
Podeschi I couldn't agree with you more. I am now using myaudiocable (MAC) in silver as the umbilical and like it better than Dan's new cable. The Sony player has that midrange that I have not heard in other players. I even compared it to the Playback Designs CD player and it was not even close. Dan hit a home run with this one. My Aesthetix Io Signature phono stage matches up beautifully with the VAC Preamp. By the way anyone going to RMAF this year?