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EXPERIENCED VAC USERS—most bang for the buck

To those of you who have experience with the VAC line, which combination of components do you think would provide the best sound? The Phi 300.1a amp combined with the Renaissance MkIII preamp, or the Phi 200 amp with the Signature MkIIa preamp?

Beyond the obvious difference in amp power, we're more interested in the quality of sound. So is there more of an improvement in sound going up from one amp to the other, or going up from one preamp to the other?

We have a limit on the client's budget for whom we're providing the system (which is why we can't combine the 300.1a with the Sig MkIIa), and, most unfortunately, we're not in a position to be able to audition the differences ourselves prior to providing the system to our client. Thanks for any input.
liszt458
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
Thanks, Bill. As I've said in a number of past threads, specs have their usefulness. Not, generally speaking, in predicting how a component will sound, but in ruling out candidates that may be poor matches with the rest of the system, or with the listener's requirements. Which in turn reduces the randomness of the selection process, and the chances of expensive mistakes.

Best regards,
-- Al
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
Liszt- Given the other posts, I assumed that you would have told us if that conversation had occurred. My bad. As we all know (and can be verified independently here), this is a dangerous thing to do. You are correct; your relationship w Kevin is none of my business. I sincerely and humbly apologize.

Given my experience w high gain pre-amps, I think Al's recommendation should be taken seriously.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
My VAC Standard using the near bottom of the volume range sounds really wonderful.
usually the near minimum on a volume control dos not sound very good.. or near as good as higher dial positions.
With my VAC Standard... that is not true. the volume at minimum is really good. I have my VAC Standard volume control at only 8 O'Clock, up to (my) highest use at 9 O'Clock.. And it starts at 7 O'Clock!!!
(and can go all the way up to 5 O'Clock..)
One of many reasons i LOVE my VAC Standard.
liszt458 OP
13 posts
 
Great info! Thank you, Almarg, for the excellent points about gain. Swampwalker, no problem, and thanks for the link to those great quotes on assuming!

We're going the Phi200 route with the Sig MkIIa, as well as with the Renaissance MkIII for some smaller applications. Anyone care to offer their views on differences between those 2 preamps? Someone elsewhere on Audiogon mentioned they thought the Ren III was about 90% of the Sig MkIIa. It's always great to hear from actual users, along with Kevin's input, of course.
agriculturist
160 posts
 
Hullo Liszt458:
In case you are still interested in opinions on this question. I would recommend the new integrated VAC160iSE. It takes VAC's signature refinement even relative to the very refined and excellent separates you mentioned in your initial post to a higher level. In my opinion the VAC160iSE is simply a superb, high value component, ideal for home audio without the fuss/complications of separates. I have had it at home now for the last couple of months driving 87 DB NOLA Metro Grand II speakers with no difficulty at all in my room which is 14x19x8.5 feet.
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