VAC Owners:Outboard Phono Stage?

Podeschi and Mbump:
I'm still waiting to hear Keith's phono stage... I've been to two big shows recently and could not find a VTPH2 anywhere. But George with his Andros was everywhere, and I really like the Zesto sound. I spent over an hour playing everything from Steely Dan to Rimski-Korsakov on his well matched system. It's good, really good. But I did something really stupid... I took up an invitation to hear the new VAC Statement 450s paired with Kevin's top preamp the Sig Mk IIa and its built in phono stage driving Magico M5s and fed by a dual platter Kronos table and some superb cartridge... Dear God was that amazing! Bob the dealer played a cut of St. James Infirmary and with my eyes closed, Satchmo came to life in the room. I can't stop thinking about that experience. No phono stage I've ever heard can resolve recorded music like that. It was kind of spooky. So since getting the top of the line VAC pre may not happen this year... it's a goal I'm keeping alive.

Alonski, I agree with your statement made in relation to hearing the Vac pre w/phono paired up with the Vac Statement 450 mono blocks because thats been my current set-up for some time no driving my MBL 101E speakers and loven it. My table was the TW Acustic Black Knight with a Reed arm and MSL Ultra Be cart and sounds absolutely marvelous.

I have tried numerous costly external phono stages, I found my self liking this or that but upon listening back to my Vac just sounded amazing. My next phono to listen to is the Burmester 100, crazy price but ... Will see, also Kevin has been working on a Referrence phono which will be coming out soon and should be very interesting.

Received my VAC 450S and it is incredible....as great as my VAC 300.1a was, this is better...more holographic, makes the speakers disappear even more, etc. And I have non-flagship VAC preamp (Ren Mk III) which I love. Took delivery of the Magico S5 speakers, so now I am done...if I spend money it will be on little tweaks and headphone stuff.

Dev and Podeschi,

Congratulations on your superb choices. I covet your Statement 450s, both the stereo and the mono blocks. When it was in the VACtory, Kevin told me that I own the best Standard LE with MC he's ever heard (I'd love for him to hear the incredible improvement the outboard SUT makes), but when I can, to acquire another Phi 200. He said having two is such a quantum leap in musicality and ease. However, my local dealer Bob agreed, but said that a stereo 450 would simply blow away my two Phi 200 mono blocks. Any thoughts on this statement (so to speak)?

Even though I am not a phono guy, I've had VAC gear for years. I believe your dealer is correct re:450s - its at a different build/sonic level than the 200's.