VAC Renaissance MkV SE tube Preamplifierw MM/MC Phono Stage

VAC Renaissance MkV SE tube Preamplifierw MM/MC Phono Stage - ext power supply

VA05 PA REN PH

NZ$20,995.00 ea (incl. GST)

TESTIMONIALS

"It is critical in manufacturing perfectionist speakers to use related components that reveal all that's possible; especially in resolution, tonality, dynamics and sound-staging. To this end we've evaluated and tried a vast array of the highest end equipment available. VAC's amplifiers and preamps have turned out to be references

of the highest order, and not coincidentally, terrifically enjoyable to listen to"…….Alon Wolf, owner Magico Loudspeakers

Where are the "official" reviews? Fact is, VAC hand builds each component in such a labor of love, time intensive way and has enough of a "diehard" following that there is usually an 8-12 week backlog of orders and thus no units available for review. Nor is there anyway to meet higher than current demand from a "great review". VAC is as non-commercial as it gets and the focus is on making the best gear possible, not the best-reviewed gear. Arrange for yourself to hear that the very best tube gear is still made in the USA, one exquisite piece at a time.

OVERVIEW

The VAC Renaissance Mk III Preamplifier is a development of the preamplifier section from the highly regarded VAC Phi Beta

Integrated amplifier and provides balanced and single-ended input and output capability. It is completely hand wired, and all switching is accomplished via high purity silver contact mechanical switches.

The six active circuit elements are twin triode vacuum tubes, biased for Class A1 operation. Connectors are Cardas premium

Rhodium type. Remote control of volume and mute is provided; in the mute state, the VAC logo changes from blue to red. Cine

Bypass is included for use with volume controlled sources.

The heavy duty power supply is a separate external box, with a 6 foot detachable umbilical cable.

The optional MM/MC phono stage uses six triode elements with passive RIAA equalisation. Variable gain (42/62 dB) and variable resistive loading are provided. Excellent results are obtained with pickups having nominal outputs from 0.2 mv to 5 mv.

The standard fascia finish is black lacquer with gold metallic flake over a VAC-machined 10mm aluminium plate. The faceted and domed countersunk aluminium knobs are also machined at VAC and finished in 10 micron gold. Optional finish of silver with chrome knobs also available in Black w/ gold knobs.

Specifications

Type: Remote controlled Class A all Triode Vacuum Tube Preamplifier with Cinema (home theater) pass-through and optional

MM/MC phono stage.

Line stage preamplifier:

Gain: 22 dB

Maximum input signal: Infinite (attenuation precedes the gain circuitry)

THD: Approx. .04% sets RCA line input, 2 sets balanced/RCA selectable inputs; optional MM phono and MC (or additional line input if phono is not fitted); 1 set RCA tape monitor input; 1 set RCA cinema bypass input

Main outputs: 2 sets balanced and 2 sets single-ended

Output impedance via RCA jacks: 300 ohms; inverting from all sources to RCA main outputs only [email protected]

+64 7 838 8661 www.audioreference.co.nz

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Output impedance via XLR connector: 600 ohms with positive phase on pin 2, negative phase on pin 3 ("pin 2 hot" EIA / RCA standard)

Maximum signal output: 30 volts RMS single-ended; > 30 volts RMS balanced

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.).

External power supply, detachable umbilical cable, detachable IEC power corde

May be ordered for 100v, 120v, 220v, or 230/240v operation

2 x 12AU7 twin triode tubes and 4 x 12AX7 twin triode tubes

PHONO STAGE (optional)

Class A Triode Vacuum Tube

Gain: 62 dB MC, 42 dB MM (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

MC load impedance selectable, 470, 300, 250, 200, 150, and 100 ohms (also for MM x 100)

Both MM and MC cartidges may be simultaneously installed, selected by rear panel switch

3 x 12AX7 twin triode tubes

OTHER:

Logo is blue for operate, red for mute

Logo may be set to bright, dim, or off

Dimensions (audio chassis): 17.9 inches wide, 5.5 inches high, 15.3 inches deep (+ knobs & connectors)

Dimensions (power supply): 6.75" wide, 4.75" high, 14" deep (plus cables and cable clamp); 10 lbs.

Shipping weight: approximately 40 pounds total

Machined 10mm aluminum faceplate, custom machined knobs, non-magnetic chassis

Two years parts and labor warranty, excluding tubes.

Review

But of all these preamps, the VAC Renaissance boasts the most impressive combination of serious sound, first-class build, great looks, compatibility with a range of amps, of any model I’ve had in my system. It won’t be leaving any

time soon. - Garrett Hongo

Whether as a line stage or as a full-function preamp (both at luxury prices) the VAC Renaissance nevertheless provides great value in terms of superb quality of sound, exceptional build quality, and versatility of application. Add to this that the

Renaissance is knock-dead gorgeous, and you get a great deal for your money. After nearly two months with it, I have yet to explore all it can do (Cinema bypass, tape loop), nor do I think it has arrived at its own fullness of sound (more burn-in might further improve the phono stage).

In the past few years I’ve auditioned a number of different preamps, some for review, some not. A few could be critiqued as being too incisive, too polite, too limited in features, not compatible with a wide enough range of amplifiers. Another few could be considered "serious" in terms of their sound. But of all these preamps, the VAC Renaissance boasts the most impressive combination of serious sound, first-class build, great looks, compatibility with a range of amps, and overall flexibility in its numerous features of any model I’ve yet had in my system. It won’t be leaving any time soon.

Link http://www.audioreference.co.nz/product/vac-renaissance-mkv-se-tube-preamplifierw-mmmc-phono-stage-ext-power-supply [email protected]

+64 7 838 8661 www.audioreference.co.nz

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