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What hapened to VAC Phi 2.0 preamp

I noticed that VAC was producing that preamp before and it supposed to be it's top of the line product. I found it mentioned on the forums and the comments were good, so I looked it up on their web site and found they only have the VAC Phi 300 amp and the Phi integrated amp. There is still the Renaissance Signature Mk II preamp. Is the Ren better then? Thanks for the replies.
feniks
jsen
11 posts
 
I suspect we'll see a new Phi series preamp that will use the same larger chassis as the new 300 amp and the Beta integrated.

If there is a new Phi preamp coming, I hope it's available without the phono stage, like the Ren. Sig MKll. The phono stage adds $4000.00!
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I'm a VAC fan, but I wish they'd stretch the shelf-life of their products. Kevin seems to retire models in only a few years...at least with the Phi series.

On the other hand, the release of the new Phi preamp would seem to portend good prices on used expamples of the previous model, thus an excellent opportunity to acquire an original Phi preamp.
hifimaniac
507 posts
 
The Phi 2.0 is still in production, but Kevin mentioned the machining the chasis of this product is labor intensive and has caused him to consider changing the chasis but not the circuitry. It is an absolutely beatiful piece of equipment. When I ordered it I originally wanted the Signature, but Kevin felt the Phi was equal, if not better than the Signature, so I took his recommendation and saved the extra coin the Signature would have cost.
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