I would suggest the Opal. I have found this preamp to be a very quiet, excellent performer.It's build quality is topnotch and it's soundstage is very robust and lifelike. Although it's a tube preamp, it is not overly rich or warm sounding.I use it with SS mono-blocks, but it would be just at home with your VAC.Based on your comments about isolation and a dedicated room, I think you would be very pleased with the Opal's presentation, finesse,frequency response, clarity,top to bottom extension and it's ability to produce low frequency tones with definition & body.(You should hear an acoustic bass in a jazz trio!!)
Ken
Ken