VAC owners, sound off


I've got my eye on a used VAC preamp here on agon, but it's over 9 years old. A phone call to Kevin Hayes was helpful, but he's not exactly unbiased. Anyone care to chime in on their experiences with VAC gear over the long term? thanks
tholt
Bottom line...IMO...

If you find a VAC preamp (I'm assuming this is what you're after) at a price
that suits you, then buy it. Listen to it, and determine if it's what you want.

As has been mentioned previously, VAC is classic, high quality gear (shall we
say Rolls Royce?) that has an exceptional company owner who offers
unprecedented service to his "family members" as he refers to owners of VAC
gear.
Fplanner2000, watch it. my questions have been honest, cut and dry and for me very pertinent, esp with a brand i don't know and thus trying to get info from others in the know.

1. Is old VAC gear reliable
2. Is old VAC gear tech comprable and still relevant to more modern gear and subsequent *possible* improvements in technology over the years.

My questions have been answered from those who have thankfully shed their personal experiences. And yes, it absolutely matters what people "feel". I was asking for opinions.

Responses like yours make forums like this for people with obviously less experience and wisdom as you feel unwelcome at a good ol boys club. Gee, maybe if i get some VAC gear and start hanging out with snoots like you I can piss on someone other newb's thread after I feel self-important enough. Maybe I missed something, but I thought it was ok to ask questions on a forum.

At any rate, I do appreciate everyone who answered my questions with their own personal experiences with the gear.
I don't believe you can conduct an objective comparison of any VAC preamp, even of current production, with a preamp from anther company. Every company produces a product that is different from the others.

VAC has a "house sound". It's clear and distinct, but it's not analytical, dry or neutral, IMO. It has a certain bloom without being syrupy. It's what people refer to as "the VAC magic". All VAC products have it, no matter their age.

So, I believe you're headed down the wrong path by comparing an older VAC product with newer products from other manufacturers. You either want the VAC sound, or you do not, which is why it's important to hear a VAC in your system to decide if the sound is what you're after.

If you buy a used VAC product, then you can audition it and resell it without a loss if it doesn't suit you.
Tholt- I stand by everything I said - Tvad just explained above in more detail pretty much exactly what I was driving at. In other words, you need to hear it for yourself and all the questions in the world are no substitute for your own ears in your own system.

I meant no offense - we always appreciate good questions and you did ask a good one, which was answered by several, including myself. You attitude needs some work, though, as do your manners.