Great amp.... I loved my time with it and regret having sold it. I had the MkIII version and preferred it with a preamp. I used an Aesthetix Calypso (non signature version) with NOS tubes. The two made a great combo. The Calypso can be found used for around $2,500 (add $500 for good NOS tubes).
As far as IC cables, KCI Silkworms are a great value on the used market for around $750, but they are rarely available. Even new, they are a good deal. I also use Jade Audio Hybrid IC's... a bit pricier than the Silkworms, but they do become available used every now and then for around $1,000. I've heard from other respected audiophiles that Jade Audio's Vermiel speaker cables are quite good... but they are very pricey new and are rarely available on the used market.
I've also heard a lot of great things about Ocellia (sp?) cables. I think an IC just showed up in the classifieds today.
Good luck. |
I have often been challenged with the same question. I have and love the VAC 70/70 but that isn't relevant to your question. IMO, it ultimately depends on your input source (and how many) , but I lean towards having one than not. A preamp removes the raw sound, provides coherence and helps with the imaging I have found. My input source is Sonos and I have tried with/without a pre and always go back to the pre. It's easier on the ears and simply brings everything together. My pre is a First Sound tube pre and whereas not all preamps are the same, I would still prefer one in my system for the reasons I mentioned.
Goodluck |
If you decide to use a preamp, you will need to get something really good if you want to make an improvement. I have similar equipment equipment so I may be able to give you some general ideas. Your 860 should be a very good match without using a preamp. I have an 861SE myself, that I currently use in my main system but I do have a 30/30 Mk3 and have used them both together. I feel it is an excellent combination. I haven't heard a Mk2, but I can't imagine it being all that different from the one I have.
For myself, I prefer a preamp. The Wadia, however, is good enough that you can still get great sound without it. That's why I say you will need to get a really good one. Another option may be to upgrade you 860 to an 861 or an 861SE (If Wadia is still in business). I would stay away from cables right now because you are not done with your system and your components are very good, all around, performers. Nothing needs to be fixed. You just need them to transfer signal, so whatever you decide to do in the future, cables should be easy.
I you were to ask me what should you do first, I would recommend you demo a new preamp. A preamp will probably make the biggest change in sound quality (good or bad). However, I wouldn't even consider buying one without trying it in your system first. |
I don't have a 30/30 but my experience with and without preamp up to now makes me tend to agree with ZD542 recommendations. |
Endoit,
You have an excellent amplifier (also I really like the 70/70 version).This
level of amplifier deserves top shelf preamp, then lookout! As you know
there are two camps, direct source vs preamp added.I side with using a
quaility active preamp for maximum sound realization. In your price range I
would suggest that you consider the Coincident Statement linestage.It will
mate beautifully with your high caliber VAC 300b based amplifier. I believe
you'd have world class sound for very reasonable money.The CSL is
exceptionally natural, transparent, nuanced and dynanmic just a good
match into your system. Pdreher is right about the Ocellia cables, they are
fabulous and utterly natural in character. Well that's my 2 cents worth.Best
of luck to you.
Regards, |
Thanks so much for your input. I find that Wadia works great at moderate to loud sound levels on the volume control i.e level 20-55 straight into the VAC. At low levels 8-20 I seem to loose dynamics, debth, seperation etc. When I use the Wadia at level 100 with a moderately priced integrated tube amp using amps volume control sound improves at low levels. Any thoughts on whether Wadia just works best set at the highest level? |
Upgrading your amp is something you will be well rewarded for. I sent my VAC PA 35.35 in to Kevin & Co. It's like I bought a new, much more expensive VAC.
I have been using for years, a Sonic Euphoria passive line stage. Tremendous quality of sound, and no problems with having enough gain (actually not gain, as all it does is attenuate), (my analog front end, surprisingly, is actually a few db's louder than my digital front end).
There are adherents to both camps, active and passive pres, but this has worked very well for me. Good luck.
Regards,
Dan |
I have often been challenged with the same question. I have and love the VAC 70/70 but that isn't relevant to your question. IMO, it ultimately depends on your input source (and how many) , but I lean towards having one than not. A preamp removes the raw sound, provides coherence and helps with the imaging I have found. My input source is Sonos and I have tried with/without a pre and always go back to the pre. It's easier on the ears and simply brings everything together. My pre is a First Sound tube pre and whereas not all preamps are the same, I would still prefer one in my system for the reasons I mentioned.
Goodluck |
The issue with the volume control has never bothered me. I understand that with the lower settings, you loose resolution. I did a pretty good test a few years back with some friends who wanted to find out how much of a sound quality loss there was with regards to lower volume settings. To make a long story short, none of us could hear any difference as all, regardless of volume setting. Actually, you are the first person I've spoken to that has heard a difference. Wadia says that you may hear a difference at settings less than 67. I guess they were right after all.
Either way, there may be a simple solution to all of this. From the looks of your post, it doesn't appear that you are aware that you can change the overall gain of your CD player. Its a feature that Wadia has that allows you to keep your volume setting as close to 100 as you can. (It also helps for high efficiency speakers as well, but thats not the case here.) All you have to do is flip the unit over and remove the 4 feet at the corners. Once you do that, you will have access to a threaded rod in each corner. Unscrewing them lets the remove the top. After you get the top off you will see a row of DIP switches. They control overall gain. Just experiment with it until you find a spot that lets you max out your volume as close to 100 as possible. |
+1 Charles1dad on the amp and the demand for a great pre-amp. It is a great amp (I own one) and am have always been of the opinion that a pre-amp is the heart and soul of the system. Never heard the Coincident but from all reports it is very very good. Of course, you might want to consider pairing it w a VAC pre, also. |
Having recently paired a Vac 70/70 Ren mk3 with a Emotive Epifania with stunning results i would say run,don't walk to buy the little brother of the Epifania,the Sira that is for sale right now.It has the remote and v-cap option.This is right in your price range. |
Swampwalker,
A good friend has the VAC Signature MK II and it is excellent sounding (I've heard it multiple times over a 3 year period). You won't find it in the stated price range, not even used.The CSL can be purchased new for just over 5K, both are superb without question.
Regards, |
02-23-13: Endoit
Thanks so much for your input. I find that Wadia works great at moderate to loud sound levels on the volume control i.e level 20-55 straight into the VAC. At low levels 8-20 I seem to loose dynamics, debth, seperation etc. When I use the Wadia at level 100 with a moderately priced integrated tube amp using amps volume control sound improves at low levels. Any thoughts on whether Wadia just works best set at the highest level?Endoit
It is most probably a digital domain volume control in the the Wadia, use it direct into the VAC and it will sound better than any preamp if it is used in the top 25% of full output, drop it below this and you get what's called "bit stripping" 14bit 12bit 10bit resolution the lower you go, this is probably what you are hearing when you use it at low level (less that 75% full up.)
You should put a $20 Alps Blue Velvet 20kohm passive volume potentiometer on the input of the VAC, adjust it to where then you use the Wadia's remote volume within it's top 25% of full output. (and the Wadia has a balance control as well).
You will have better sound and save yourself $2-$5K on a preamp that's not needed.
Cheers George |
Thanks everyone. I guess I will try the internal adjustment on the Wadia first or get passive attenuators. If I can try out a decent preamp that would be next although it is not easy to gain access to one when you mostly buy on Audiogon. If anyone has done a Vac 30/30 MkII to MkIIIse upgrade any comments on sound improvement would be appreciated. |
Good decision, and the easiest less expensive way to begin. Try the direct route and if possible passive components such as the Lightspeed etc.Then if possible compare this approach to a premium active line stage, your ears will decide.This thread can easily become the redundant passive vs active debate for the 100th time.After hearing both types you'll know which moves you more.Your amplifier provides a very solid foundation to build upon.
Regards, |
I have the 30/30 Mk111 and pair it frequently with my Coincident Statement linestage. It is an excellent match for the 30/30. Soundstage and dynamics to die for. I would highly recommend the Coincident pre. |
This is an old thread. I forgot about it. Well Endoit, did you rip the lid off your Wadia and fix the gain settings? Its been months. You are keeping everyone in suspense here. |
