VAC PHI 2.0 or CTC Blowtorch or...

I have a Blowtorch and have never heard it either...

Brian

MBL 101E speakers
H2O M250 signature monoblocks (trial period)
EMM Labs DCC2
EMM Labs-modified SACD 1000
Cardas Golden Reference cabling

I think the preamp section of the DCC2 is very good but I'm just wondering what another preamp could do for me. I did a quick comparison with the CAT ('Ultimate' preamp, I think?) and both the owner and I agreed that the DCC2 held its own quite well.

If I keep the M250s, here are my preamp requirements:

1. that it have a very low output impedance to match the low, 8k ohm, input impedance of the M250s.

1a. it should also have a decent power supply to deliver current, drive the M250s, and maximize the dynamics of my system.

2. that it include a phonostage (just in case...)

3. that it have dual XLR outputs in the likely event that I want to use four amps to drive my speakers.

I believe that the VAC Phi 2.0 and the Blowtorch meet all my requirements.
The thing is, I've never heard either one. I do have a local VAC dealer, however.

P.S. The MBL 6010D is another option but I have heard it in an all MBL system and I'm really hoping to find and preamp that gives more density and holographic weight (perhaps a little warmth as well) to vocals and upper midrange images.

Thanks.

Exlibris, I heard my Blowtorch compared with a Meitner late last fall in an all out system. The Blowtorch had cleaner highs, as expressed by the other person, and in my opinion had greater dynamics and threw a bigger stage. The differences were apparent, at least to me.

I heard an H2O amp briefly once, and it was OK but that's all I'll say.

A fellow in Canada is taking delivery of a Blowtorch very soon, so you might have a chance to audition it in his system. Or if you're inclined to do so you could come down to Chicago for a visit. A friend has some definitive opinions on amplification for MBLs.

Brian

Brian,
Can you tell me where in Canada the Blowtorch is going; I'd love to finally hear it? I should note that in order for me to justify the cost of a new preamp, the difference between it and the DCC2 would have to be *significant*.

The reason I'm looking into the H2Os is because I can't afford the big MBL monoblocks or the CAT JL3 monos.

Thanks.

My closest hi-fi friend carefully compared his DCC2 to his Lamm L2 preamp, the latter clearly being one of the best sounding preamps made. The two preamps were so close in his system (an all-out system featuring $50k CAT Limited Edition monoblocks) that hearing or describing the differences was difficult. If you look at the threads, you will see that many others report comparing the DCC2 to top-notch preamps and finding the differences to be subtle, and sometimes, the DCC2 "winning". I will alert my friend to this thread and see if he has comments.

I own VAC Renaissance 140/140 monoblocks and think I have an idea of Kevin Hayes' sonic priorities. I could be wrong, but my guess is that the VAC, by virtue of using a triode circuit (two if you count the phono stage), will be a bit bloomier and lush than strictly neutral, and thus sound a bit colored (but good colored) compared to the DCC2, which to my ears is very neutral. You may want to read the Stereophile review of the VAC Renaissance Signature Mk. II preamp, which the Phi is evidently very similar to. The VAC will be built like a tank and never break.

I have never heard the Blowtorch (PS - why didn't they name it "Fireplug" or "Camshaft" or "Betty"?).