Signature Preamplifier Mk II

The culmination of six years' research and development, this is the first preamplifier worthy to bear the VAC Renaissance name. Its completely new and unique circuit follows VAC's "first principles" design philosophy, wherein we look beyond conventional wisdom to discover what a preamplifier really must do to preserve musical life. As usual, the answers are distinct from anything you've seen or heard before.

Through its principal outputs, the Renaissance Signature Preamplifier contains no coupling capacitors from input to output. No coupling capacitor hinders the purity and detail developed by the hand-wired direct-coupled Class A1 triode tubes. Additionally, no loop negative feedback is used; the output interface is completely stable and free from dynamic interactions with the load. In addition to five standard line inputs (four when phono is fitted), a fully balanced input is provided. Fully balanced outputs are present, as are dual standard RCA outputs. Balancing is achieved by differential triodes driving a special output transformer. This design ensures a true balanced signal, capable of driving even the most cruel professional studio equipment, something impossible with cathode followers and totem circuits. In addition, the transformer output may be used with unbalanced loads. In this manner, galvanic loops and interaction between source & power amp feedback loops are eliminated, allowing for the most liquid, dimensional sound.

The line stage also offers a fully buffered tape loop and VAC's Cinema Bypass mode, which allows your high-end stereo system to integrate seamlessly with home theater. The Cinema Bypass input is a fixed gain input that allows your source component to control volume, and passes this signal through to the stereo power amplifiers without further processing. It allows a cost-no-object stereo system to integrate seamlessly into a home theater context when needed, without any degradation of two channel performance from traditional stereo sources. The Cinema Bypass input may also be used with stereo components that have their own level control, such as d/a converters.

The optional phono stage is a zero-feedback design incorporating six low noise triode tubes. Sensitive and quiet, it is capable of handling even low output moving coil cartridges. A rear panel switch allows engagement of wideband transformers to provide a proper and balanced load to low output pickups. Electrostatic decoupling prevents the heater circuits from "talking" to each other, a common cause of lost detail. Indeed, a completely separate power transformer and filter circuitry are dedicated to the phono stage, eliminating any disturbance of the delicate phono signal by the powerful line stage.

The massive power supply incorporates two backlit meters to indicate the exact power conditions.

The laquered aluminum remote control is standard. Uniquely, our remote system is implemented with electromechanical switches and controls. This approach is considerably more costly than the usual digital interfaces, but has several major advantages. First, no VCAs, relays, or transistor switches (switched ladder networks) are used in controlling volume. This is mandatory for sonic purity. Second, VAC's careful implementation avoids the use of microprocessors, which generate significant noise signals that, while sometimes not audible directly, can do damage to the sound. Third, the front panel controls are direct and intuitive to use, their positions indicating at a glance exactly how the unit is set.

The VAC logos are backlit with an elegant blue in normal operation, but display red when the mute is activated. These are set in the heirloom-quality sculpted 3/8" fascia. The liberal use of sound deadening material compliments the 1/4" thick CNC-machined aluminum chassis, creating a solid mechanical foundation.

Internal parts are specified from the finest and most exotic materials, as extreme measures and the most careful "voicing" are required to reach this unequaled pinnacle of perfection.

Basic specifications:

Inputs: 5 sets RCA line input, 1 set balanced inputs; 1 MM/MC (or additional line input); 1 set RCA tape monitor input; 1 set RCA cinema bypass input
Outputs: 2 sets RCA, 1 set balanced XLR (EIA "pin 2 hot" studio standard), 1 set RCA tape output
Absolute phase is correct from all inputs to all outputs
Dimensions: 18" wide x 5.5" high x 14.5 deep (plus knobs & connectors), each chassis
Shipping weight: 110 pounds total (with phono) or 90 pounds (without phono)
Tube complement: Line stage, 2 x 12AU7, 2 x 8416; Phono stage, 6 x 12AX7
Warranty: 3 year, except 90 days on tubes (applies to units sold by authorized U.S. dealers and operated in the U.S).; outside of the U.S. please consult your importer.

VAC Phi Beta 110 Integrated Amplifier

The VAC Phi Beta integrated amplifier is, quite simply, the finest audio amplification solution available, bar none. By combining the heritage of the Phi separate components with the inherent possible advantages of the integrated embodiment, an entirely new level of performance has be attained. With the VAC Phi Beta you hear all of the "hi-fi" attributes, but in a way totally subservient to the feel and emotion of the music. After all, that is what music is all about.

The single greatest advantage of the integrated form is the fact that all of the amplification stages, both pre- and power, can refer to a single, tight ground reference. This provides a reference point for the signal that is unsurpassed. In essence, it is the strongest, most elegant foundation possible. Properly implemented, as in the Phi Beta, the resulting sonic purity, dynamics, and detail are absolutely astounding.

The one major drawback to integrated amplifiers of the past has been due to radiated noise fields from the power supply. To overcome this, the Phi Beta utilizes a massive external power supply that may be located as much as six feet from the audio chassis. Of course, final power reservoirs and ground references are located in the audio chassis.

Of course, the integrated design allows complete control of the interface between the two components. This eliminates one set of interconnect cables and spares the audio signal from another trip through the outside world, which sidesteps an opportunity for RFI and EMI pickup.

Internally, the Phi Beta incorporates the superb MM/MC phono stage of the Phi 2.0 Master Control amplifier, an all-new line stage with balanced inputs and outputs, and a potent power amplifier derived from the Phi 110/110 power amplifier.

All of the Phi user interface and remote control features are present. These include:
Remote control of power, input selector, tape monitor, cinema input, mute, and volume
All controls are duplicated on the front panel with simple, direct acting switches
All line inputs may be assigned as volume-controllable, or as fixed-gain inputs for sources with their own level controls
Can communicate with other Phi components via the iVAC data buss
12 volt triggers allow control of other brands of ancillary equipment

With preamplifier outputs (balanced and RCA) and switchable power amplifier direct inputs, it is easy to use external crossovers and/or biamplify with the Phi Beta.

Other notable features include:
Intensity of illuminated VAC logo varies with ambient room light level
Audio chassis is machined from aircraft aluminum
Output tubes continuously monitored by VAC Beam Power Sentry circuit, which alerts you when a tube should be replaced and shuts the amplifier off if a KT88 fails
110 watt/channel output into 2, 4, or 8 ohm speakers
double choke power filtering
complete regulation of all heater and 'housekeeping' circuits
typical 8,000 hour average tube life
three year warranty (tubes 90 days)

The most important feature, of course, is the sound quality. It is the result of VAC's relentless attention to detail and thousands of hours of "voicing". Once heard, it will redefine your expectation of what is possible and, thereafter, necessary.

Approximate dimensions:
Audio chassis: 17.7" x 17" x 9.2" (W x D x H) plus knobs and connectors; shipping weight 100 lbs.
Power supply: 9.2" x 14.5" x 9" (W x D x H); shipping weight 42 lbs.

VAC Phi™ 300.1

The VAC Phi™ 300.1 is an extremely potent amplifier with power, superb definition, and great control. Its eight beam power output tubes yield 300 watts in bridged mono mode or 150 watts/channel in stereo mode at the choice of the user. Front panel level controls may be engaged to aid in balancing biamplified systems. Both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs are provided. Triode operation may be selected at the flick of a switch. The chassis is machined aluminum, with the tubes beautifully showcased behind 0.75" acrylic glass. Also included are standard 12 volt triggers.

The Phi 300.1 is VAC's finest amplifier. It is based on our direct coupled input & driver circuit that results in the fastest, fullest, most detailed sound that we have ever achieved. You will be surprised by details in your recordings that you had never heard before. The ambience and retrievel of reverb and decay information is particularly surprising.

Using eight beam power output tubes and a low-mu octal driver, this amplifier possesses an uncanny ability to reveal every nuance in a recording, while preserve the emotion and feel necessary for a truly musical performance. In addition to finesse, it has great power, impact, control, and a low electrical noise floor. This remarkable overall character makes it suitable for use with speakers ranging from high efficiency to the most difficult and demanding.

Both single-ended and balanced (fully balanced amplifier mode) inputs are provided. The chassis is custom machined 0.25" aluminum welded into a solid unitary structure, finished in metallic black paint. The 1" thick aluminum front panel is finished in hand rubbed silver metalic lacquer, with bias meter and tube adjustors that make it easy to maintain and optimize. Output matching taps are provided for 2, 4, and 8 ohm speakers.

Basic specifications:
150 watt/channel stereo amplifier
300 watt mono amplifier (bridge mode via switch setting)
bypassable channel level controls (useful for fine tuning biamplification systems or acoustic channel balance)
frequency response 4 Hz to 75 kHz
power bandwidth 13 Hz to 70 kHz
single-ended input via RCA jack, non-inverting
balanced input via XLR jack, non-inverting relative to pin 2 ("pin 2 hot", EIA old RCA broadcast/recording standard); amp is fully balanced in this mode triode switch
residual noise typically 0.0007 volts at the speaker terminals
12 volt triggers
illuminated logo; may be switched off
dimensions (information to come)
shipping weight 128 lbs.
8 x KT88, 4 x 6SN7
detachable power cord, standard IEC power receptacle
may be factory configured for operation at 100, 120, 220, or 230/240 volt operation
Three years parts and labor warranty, excluding tubes.
Specifications subject to change and improvement without notice

VAC Renaissance Preamplifier Mk II

For 2004, the new Renaissance Preamplifier Mk II is derived from the pheonminal Phi 2.0 Control Preamplifier, making this unprecedented sonic improvement available to more music lovers. The circuits follow VAC's "first principles" design philosophy, wherein we look beyond conventional wisdom to discover what a preamplifier really must do to preserve musical life. As usual, the answers are distinct from anything you've seen or heard before.

Through its principal outputs, the Renaissance Preamplifier Mk II contains no coupling capacitors from input to output. No coupling capacitor hinders the purity and detail developed by the two Class A1 twin triode tubes. Additionally, no loop negative feedback is used; the output interface is completely stable and free from dynamic interactions with the load. Two fully balanced inputs are provided; these may also be configured via switch for standard RCA inputs. Fully balanced outputs are present, as are standard RCA outputs.

Balancing is achieved by differential triodes driving a special wideband output transformer. This design ensures a true balanced signal, capable of driving even the most cruel professional studio equipment, something impossible with cathode followers and totem circuits. In addition, the transformer output may be used with unbalanced loads. In this manner, ground loops are eliminated, allowing for the most liquid, dimensional sound. In addition, this technique results in identical sound through either the SE or balanced outputs; therefore, the choice is entirely dependent upon the charactersitics of the source components and power amplifiers.

The line stage also offers VAC's Cinema Bypass mode, which allows your high-end stereo system to integrate seamlessly with home theater. The Cinema Bypass input is a fixed gain input that allows your source component to control volume, and passes this signal through to the stereo power amplifiers without further processing. It allows a cost-no-object stereo system to integrate seamlessly into a home theater context when needed, without any degredation of two channel performance from traditional stereo sources. The Cinema Bypass input may also be used with stereo components that have their own level control, such as d/a converters (and improves their sound by providing a more competant, isolating drive to the power amplifiers).

The optional phono stage is sensitive and quiet, capable of handling even low output moving coil cartridges. A rear panel switch allows engagement of wideband transformers to provide a proper and balanced load to low output pickups. Electrostatic decoupling prevents the heater circuits from "talking" to each other, a common cause of lost detail.

The standard remote control allows complete control over power, input, tape monitor, cinema input, mute, and volume; all of these functions are also available via direct switches on the front panel. No VCAs (or "gain modules") or transistor switches (switched ladder networks) are used in the the VAC remote system, as these greatly compromise sound quality.

12 volt triggers are provided, as is the iVAC data system, which is compatible with Phi Series power amplifiers.

The heirloom-quality sculpted 3/8" aluminum fascia is finished in high-gloss black lacquer. The liberal use of sound deadening material compliments the 1/4" thick CNC-machined aluminum chassis, creating a solid mechanical foundation.

Basic specifications:
Inputs: 5 sets RCA line input (two switchable to balanced XLR) and 1 MM/MC or additional line input, 1 set RCA tape monitor input, 1 set RCA home theater decoder direct input
Outputs: 2 sets RCA, 1 set balanced XLR (EIA "pin 2 hot" studio standard), 1 set RCA tape output
Recommended load impedance: 3,000 ohms (3k) or greater
Absolute phase is correct from all inputs to all outputs
Tube complement: Line stage, 2 x 8416, 2 x 12AX7; Phono stage, 3 x 12AX7
Warranty: 3 year, except 90 days on tubes (applies to units sold by authorized U.S. dealers and operated in the U.S).; outside of the U.S. please consult your importer.

Other:
Dimensions: (main chassis) 18 inches wide, 4 inches high, 15.3 inches deep (+ knobs & connectors)
Dimensions: (power supply)
Shipping weight: 44 pounds approx.

VAC Musicbloc 160

The VAC Standard Musicbloc™ 160 is something to get excited about! Like the cost-no-object Phi 300.1, the Musicbloc 160 features a new direct coupled input & driver circuit that results in the fastest, fullest, more detailed sound that we have ever achieved. VAC President Kevin Hayes comments, "Every time I play a familiar recording through the 160's, I am startled to hear something new and exciting. After 16 years of doing this professionally, that's quite a surprise! I find these amplifiers quite addictive." Using four beam power output tubes and a low-mu direct-coupled octal driver, this amplifier possesses an uncanny ability to reveal every nuance in a recording, while preserve the emotion and feel necessary for a truly musical performance. You will be surprised by details in your recordings that you had never heard before. In addition to finesse, the Standard Musicbloc™ 160 has great power, impact, control, and a very low electrical noise floor. This remarkable overall character makes it suitable for use with speakers ranging from high efficiency to the most difficult and demanding. This powerful monoblock has both balanced and single-ended inputs, and is built on a rigid non-magnetic machined chassis (0.25" aluminum welded into a unitary structure) finished in metallic black with engraved brass accents. Front panel bias indicators and controls make it easy to maintain and optimize; if desired, these indicators may be switched off for listening sessions in a darkened room. Output matching taps are provided for 2, 4, and 8 ohm speakers. Premium parts are used throughout, ensuring long, reliable service. Basic specifications: 160 watt mono amplifier frequency response 4 Hz to 75 kHz power bandwidth 13 Hz to 70 kHz single-ended input via RCA jack, non-inverting balanced input vis XLR jack, non-inverting relative to pin 2 ("pin 2 hot", EIA old RCA broadcast/recording standard); amp is fully balanced in this mode residual noise typically 0.0007 volts at the speaker terminals dimensions 9.75" x 18" x 8.5" shipping weight 60 lbs. 4 x KT88, 1 x 6SN7, 1 x 12AU7 detachable power cord, standard IEC power receptacle may be ordered for 100, 120, 220, or 230/240 volt operation

VAC Standard Pre-amplifier

All new for 2006, the VAC Standard Preamplifier Mk II is a jump over the very best of 'traditional' vacuum tube preamps. The sound is distinctly more lively than before. The four tube Class A triode line stage is derived from the premium VAC Phi Beta. It offers superb sound and has balanced outputs, remote control, the VAC Cinema Bypass™ feature, a specially shielded integral power transformer, and a 3/8" beveled aluminum fascia with deep black lacquer finish. The optional triode phono stage features passive RIAA equalization for open, detailed sound. VAC Standard Preamplifier Mk II Basic Specifications Type: Remote controlled Class A all Triode Vacuum Tube Preamplifier with separate power supply and Cinema (home theater) pass-through. Line stage preamplifier: Gain: 22 dB Maximum input signal: Infinite (attenuation precedes the gain circuitry) THD: Approx. .04% Output impedance via RCA jacks: 600 ohms, inverting from all sources and to main outputs Balanced output via XLR connector with positive phase on pin 2, negative phase on pin 3 ("pin 2 hot" EIA / RCA standard) Tape output: Unity gain from selector, non-inverting for archival integrity Cinema pass-through: Non-inverting, no gain, does not compromise the sound quality of normal stereo operation. May also be used for input of stereo source components with their own level controls (dacs, etc.). Specially shielded power transformer Optional balanced input Detachable power cord, IEC receptacle May be ordered for 100v, 120v, 220v, or 230/240v operation 2 x 12AU7, 2 x 12AX7 tubes MM Phono stage (option): Class A Triode Vacuum Tube Gain: 40 db (measured at tape output) Residual noise: less than 3 mv at output (S/N ratio greater than approx. 69 db) Overload: 117 mv @ 1 kHz = 8 volts RMS output; 460 mv @ 10 kHz Frequency response: RIAA +/- .25 dB 47k load 3 x 12AX7 tubes MC Step-up (option): 20 db passive gain works in conjunction with the MM Phono option switchable between MM and MC mode Other: Dimensions: 18 inches wide, 4 inches high, 15.3 inches deep (+ knobs & connectors) Shipping weight: approximately 25 pounds Machined 3/8" aluminum faceplate, custom machined knobs, extensively braced chassis Three years parts and labor warranty, excluding tubes. Specifications subject to change and improvement without notice