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
JWM, thanks and by the way I purchased a VAC preamp and amp partially due to the threads I've read here on Audiogon, including your's, so thanks, because I love my VAC gear, and think Kevin Hayes is superb with his service level.
I sent my VAC Phi Beta preamp in for service; as I bought it used. Kevin and Brent kept me informed every step of the way; it was finished on time; Kevin spent a lot time listening to, tweaking it; and replacing the tubes with a matched set. It was returned to me pristine; better than new; scruffs buffed out; shinny; and more importantly; it sounds better the ever. Their costs to me were very modest for the work and time the put in. I plan on keeping this unit in my rig until it dies, which hopefully won't be a for a long time. I can't imagine a better service relationship with the owner; even for gear no longer under warranty; and purchased used...they do great work! and make great sound!
VAC is a great amp my friend has 200PHI sounds wonderful,great stage,depth,imaging etc.Who really cares if people dont rap about VAC.
Had a Phi 200, currently enjoy a Sigma 160i....Vac and Kevin Hayes are first class. Simply sublime sound, friendly, courteous discourse and just the right features. 2 channel specialists in the sincerist form.
Gentlemen – I too bought my VAC gear because of the maturity, intelligence and quality of discourse between VAC owners on A'gon. As a "family," we seem less dysfunctional than some other (not all, some) amp owners that get a bit aggressive with infighting, name calling and other unnecessary dramas that make me question the objectivity of the postings. I recently bought Ghasley's VAC Phi 200 and I've never been so happy with a piece of gear and the genuine care exhibited through the entire process (thanks Geoff!).

Probably safe to say that we all appreciate Kevin's personality, integrity, and professionalism because we live and emulate those traits ourselves.

I'm kind of glad VAC is the best kept secret in high-end audio. And although it initially bothered me that few if any major Hi-Fi mags had reviews of VAC instruments, now I love it. It's like knowing a great undiscovered restaurant that keeps a low profile and knows you by name as you walk in the door...

VAC owners just seem happier.

Now I've got a tech question about a VAC MC phono stage issue, but I'll start a new thread.