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VAC 440 Statement mono blocks, any opinions

I recently took delivery of my VAC Signature MKIIa pre-amp recently and I'm smitten with it's sonics, truly enjoying it so now these mono blocks are really peaking my interest.

I'm not looking at replacing my current solid mono blocks but just adding so I can swap pces in and out when I choose too, I use to have two set-ups so I had a few options of amps etc. to swap back and forth which was fun and provided different flavours.

Curious if anyone has heard a well broken-in pair, if yes paired up with what, what were your impressions. They would be paired up with my MBL's which like current, looking at the specs I don't believe there should be any issues.
dev

Showing 4 responses by fplanner2010

fplanner2010
283 posts
 
They will theoretically be at CES in January. I believe they have been improved upon since they originally came out, which accounts for the slightly different look. I would like to hear them against my 300.1s, but don't think that will happen anytime soon - I'll probably need a new house just to hold them :-)

I too would like to hear impressions from someone who has purchased them - I know pairs are being made and sold, and have been for a while.
fplanner2010
283 posts
 
Dev- You were very fortunate to be able to hear that system in the manner that you were able to. Please be sure to let us know your reactions in your own system when they arrive and congratulations!

You opinion echoes those of several others I have spoken to who also have heard them and/or now own them, as Statement 450's. Its sounds to me as though the overall presentation was just a jaw-dropping event for you.

If possible, can you please discuss or at least point out any specific characteristics that really stood out for you? I know those of us that are already VAC owners, as well as others who are after the best sound they can find, would be extremely interested. Please don't make comparisons to other amps, because as you say, this isn't about them :-)

Thank you.
fplanner2010
283 posts
 
I seriously doubt there is any way for me to accurately compare the 2 amps unless I put the 450 into my system. I don't think that would happen without a purchase which I am currently not prepared to do. That's why Dev's opportunity was important to hear about, although I don't think he never had the 300.1's.

The only other option I can think of to possibly A-B would be to visit VAC in Fla, first making sure they had a pair of each for me to listen to.
fplanner2010
283 posts
 
Thanks Dev. I don't think there was ever a $20K raise on the 450's. That might have been the earlier 440s which were an earlier version that were almost prototypes and I don't know that they put many, if any, into the marketplace. As you know, the 450s are all hand-wired and take many hours to both complete and test.

We obviously expect a report in June. Congrats again :-)
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