VAC Ren Mk III / Sig mkII Preamplifier with SS Amp

...as a general rule, the output impedance of the preamp should be at least ten times lower than the input impedance of the amp at ALL audible bandwidths.
Raquel (Threads | Answers)

I'm happy to see Raquel specify the importance of ALL audible bandwidths. Many people mistakenly use the 10x output impedance in relation to a preamp's nominal output impedance, when in fact it's very important to consider a preamp's highest measured output impedance for application of the 10x rule of thumb.

Just waking up this thread in case more responders wish to share their experiences. I am considering a CODA 15.0 Class A solid state amp to be used with a VAC Signature Mk iia preamp with phono. Seems like the VAC preamp is good with most amps, but I was hoping to hear from someone with a similar amp/preamp setup.

I have a Vac standard Le that I've matched with a Coda model 11 100W class A. The Coda will adapt to a lot of units and will let the preamplifier introduce its own signature, which might be uncommon to class A amps. A real cameleon in my sense. My other pramp is a CJ Premier 16 and same thing, the Coda will just let it through.

I always thought my VAC was quite at par with the CJ in terms of soundstaging. It can pinpoint small instruments with a lot of a separation in the dynamics of instruments.And the Coda just follows.

The Coda is a beautiful machine. 100W is quite enough to drive a lot heavy loads, mine are Acoustat Spectra 44 electrostatics and it does it with ease. Does not run as hot as a Pass or a Plinius. This is just a fine long term machine. I will promise you this, the day you will get rid of it, maybe for something more of an upgrade, you will regret it after awhile, like most former owners do.

Paladin: I have an older VAC Phi Beta tubed preamp, your precursor; and Dev had a Signiture Mk ii; we both were paired up to Bryston 28sst mono blocks; at 1000 watts/per; and had great synergy; Dev ultimately stepped up for the VAC 450 tubed amps; which he is in love with; my happiness is pretty well met; and living within my finances...so the answer is the VAC matches well with impediance; and sound quality and reliability to almost whatever amp you hook up to it..If you have the VAC, you'll be enjoying great sound. If you want high power quality solid state; may I also recommend you check out the new Hegel H-30; it will work well as a stereo unit; not necessary to buy individual mono blocks; unless you have very ineffecient speakers...some positive reviews are forthcoming...but I'm in music heaven with my current rig...good luck

I, too, run a Phi Beta with Bryston 28B-SST2 amps and find the synergy to be superb.