Be persistant robd2. Ten hours is barely a taste of what is to come. I'm glad you have you have been open minded and decided to proceed. It has taken me years to take the time to give the phono a fair trial. I have owned the VAC since 2003. Yikes, like 12 to 13 years to come to the patience to give it a go!
I'm currently listening to Weather Report Sportin Life as I type which is dynamic and well recorded. Sounds great!
Enjoy the journey.
|
I’ve been pulling a lot of new and near-new gear into my system recently, and the break-in factor is significant. Honestly I’m ready to attribute it as much to mental/psychological break-in (i.e. me getting used to a new sound) as much as any changes happening in the gear itself (though probably a bit of both), but regardless of what causes the phenomenon, it can be profound.
Some of the upgrade pieces that are now system favorites were definitely NOT as good as what they replaced for the first few dozen hours.
That said, I still don’t have the patience for gear that isn’t going to get at least close to where it needs to be after 100 hours of my time invested into it. |
Big kudos to @rhljazz ! After about another 10hrs of break in time the on board phono is sounding pretty sweet! Not "perfect" but sounding much better. Will be interesting to see if if cleans up any more. |
I was thinking about the break in as being a factor because every time I saw this pre amp setup in the store it always had an outboard plugged into it. Maybe it hasn't been used enough? Or my store knows not to demo the phono... ; ) I will say it sounds like the phono needs time to open up. The unit is 13 months old.
Another interesting factor, what happens to me is that the line stage sounds so fantastic with my Ayre CD player then I switch over to the phono expecting to be wowed further. The line stage is that good. |
The built-in phono stage options on VAC preamps are a great buy. They now also have a standalone Renaissance phono stage that costs $10K -- came out about a year or 2 ago, not much buzz or reviews on this one though. It does sound good. I wish it was closer to 6/7K, but then compared to the prices of their other gear, I guess 10 seems cheap... |
I have the Renaissance Mk 1 with phono. I always thought the phono stage was bland and lacking dynamic expression. Initially, I was using mm cartridges. Then went to high output moving coil cartridge always using the mm input. I went through a couple of outboard units, Musical Surroundings, and a Vacuum State Jlti which I preferred over the VAC phono.
A year or so ago I decided to give the VAC another chance. I found that a lot of break in time was required. As a guess around 60 to 70 hours at which point I preferred it to the Jlti. Then I went to a low output cartridge and the whole process with the moving coil input needed to repeated.
I still swap in the Jlti every so often but overall I would rate the VAC phono as being very good.
So, if the line stage you auditioned did not have the phono stage broken in, you did not hear its full capability.
Buy the phono stage within your preamp. I don't think you will be ultimately disappointed. It is likely you will be less than satisfied at first.
Btw I am using VAC supplied tubes. |
Love to hear that @alonski ! I'm close to ordering a Signiture SE preamp but can't decide if I want to get the internal phono vs buying an outboard. I'm able to in home demo the SE preamp but it doesn't have the phono. I have heard the Ren MKV preamp with phono. The line stage was great but I didn't like the phono on my system. Thoughts? My current cart is the LO MC Sumiko Blackbird. |
No worries robd2, glad you have discovered the VAC magic.My VAC gear just keeps getting better the more I use it. My latest OMG moment was after I replaced all 16 tubes in the Phi200 mono blocks with Black Treasures from Grant Fidelity. The tubes are not cheap, but a worthwhile upgrade. The sound is stunning, rich and detailed... but most of all, real and natural sounding. The system has disappeared. Dave Brubeck has arrived. |
@alonski sorry to revive an older thread but this is great stuff! I'm on a similar gear trajectory as yourself. How are you enjoying your VAC gear a few years later? |
Whart- thanks, it's really all about the hobby for me. Music makes me smile, cry (yup), and shout what I consider "happy profanities" from my listening chair when my system surprises me.
Hifimaniac- not only did we have a similar experience, we have a bunch of the same gear! Same preamp, amp, record cleaning machine and Ortofon cartridge. I'm hoping NOT to hear the Statement Amps for a while, you understand why...
As for tube rolling and power cords, knghifi, I'm with you dude. How many hours did you wait? I usually figure about 100 or so for tube amps and preamps. My amp is fully cooked, but I only have 7 hours on the Signature2a.
What tubes have you Sig owners had best success with? How about fuses? Power cords? A special call out to any Sig owners who, like hifimaniac, are also loving life with a VAC Phi 200 or two.
Please also indicate where the tubes ended up. I'm especially interested in rolling results you've had in the phono stage.
Wow. I just experienced something amazing... As I am writing this, my wife came in to kiss me goodnight and said with a smile "it sounds great babe... It's the kind of sound that makes me want to listen to tracks over and over again!" I stared at her dumbfounded, she's never said anything like that before. I told her I will turn down the volume so she could sleep and she says "no, this is fine, keep it at this level."
Next to "I do," I've never been more surprised at what's come out of her mouth (and my fortune in this life). |
Kevin recommended 1960 era Phillips 7308's for the 6922's but said to be sure you buy from a reputable tube seller and expect to pay a lot. Be sure I have the right brand; I am pretty sure it is the Phillips. He may have suggestions for the 12AX7's but I purchases Psvane 12AX7's from Grant Fidelity. Buy Gran'ts best quality; they do some extra testing to be sure of quality. I find them very quiet and musical. Again, enjoy. And Knghifi, you are right; Kevin doesn't sell out to reviewers; his character and integrity is too high to do so. |
Congrats Alonski! Business must be great that Kevin can jack up the prices.
After the pre is broken in, 1st change I would do is upgrade the fuse and then start rolling some tubes and PCs :-) |
Hifimaniac, that is easy. The companies that seem to get the recognition are the ones with big bucks to take out full page adds and get a great review from Valen. The best companies out there are like VAC, low key and word of mouth sales. |
Hey Alonski you put a huge smile on my face the way you described your first listen to the Signature 2a; I was the same way. It crushed my ARC REF 5! I had to put on a Lobster bib to catch my drool! I have to tell you I heard the Statement preamp and phono at CES and before I did I was thinking to myself, "how much better could this be". Trust me, it is UNBELIEVABLE! Everything the Sig 2a does this does better and effortlessly. Anyone looking for a pre amp that doesn't consider the Statement is nuts. I hope I make some money again so I can buy one someday. The Statment Phono was killer too. You should see if there are pictures on the web site of the inside; the build is meticulous; the sound better. Kevin told me it is hard for him to listen to the Sig after creating the Statement. He also told me I need to move up the amp line to really enjoy greater sound. I still don't know why Kevin doesn't get more accolades his stuff is so much better than the other tube stuff out there. Until I upgrade I will enjoy the superb sound of the stuff I own. |
Good for you, Alonski. It's nice to hear about someone enjoying their gear, instead of worrying about it, bitching about it, or talking about replacing it (which are three popular topics on most of these audio chat boards).
Enjoy~ |
Gentlemen,
After weeks of anticipation torture, I finally received my Signature mkIIa preamp with the MC/MM phono stage! I guess I got in just under the wire, because after January 1st the price has gone up to $23,000 including phono stage, which now lists for $5000 as an add on.
I'm finding myself just staring at it at times... It truly is a thing of beauty. I opted for the mirror-polished silver knobs on the black faceplate to match my system and it's just gorgeous.
After all the discussion about burn in hours and ways to expedite that process, I decided not to deprive myself of the forthcoming experience of the sound getting gradually (is it possible?) better. I'm euphoric. The day I installed it to replace my trusty VAC Standard LE, I didn't get to sleep until 7:00am the next morning! You guessed it, I was up all night coming up with appropriate expletives to define my shock. My wife was sleeping and I was listening at low volume and still heard things I never heard before and marveled at how this instument recreates the soundstage even at a SPL that would be appropriate for soft background music!
You would think that after a few decades of audiophile experience I would be better prepared. Uhhh...not so much. Even right out of the box, this beautiful beast and its incredible phono stage had me pulling out LP after LP and blowing my socks off. Paired with my Phi 200 amp, this is by far the best system I've ever heard in my home or anyone else's.
I'll go into more detail as the pre burns in, but for now I want to thank all of you who kindly posted on this thread and helped me make the decision to invest in this superlative pre with the optional phono stage. What I learned is that the Sig2a's phono has its own power supply, it does not share the line stage's power supply, which sounds like it may account for at least part of its remarkable performance with vinyl.
I've never been happier with my system. This pre, although not inexpensive, is making everthing sound better and on some recordings I'm left breathless. I'm totally smitten. I can't get the goofy smile off my face.
I'll check in soon, but please feel free to ask any questions or comments.
Once again, thanks for helping me get to this magical place in audio nirvana. Kevin Hayes is an industry superhero! |
I spoke to Kevin today, and in his inimitable quiet manner (I could practically see his smile over the phone) he hinted that maybe possibly there's an outside chance that if the phase of the moon intersects with the Dow Jones moving average that there just might be a Statement Preamplifier at CES in January... but he held back on actually saying "yes."
What I did get confirmation of is a Statement (?) Outboard Phono Stage! What he described had me drooling in less than a minute. OMG, this will be the Mother of All Phono Stages... and priced accordingly. I could hear the delight in his voice, he was obviously very excited about unveiling his creation. If I didn't have plans already (like, you know, working my business to pay for my Signature preamp), I'd be making reservations for the big show. I'll be glued to the blog coverage as it happens. If any of you go, please post what you see and hear from VAC on this thread so I can wallow in jealousy. |
I think it was Pierre Laval, a pretty famous judge, who said "It's nice to be on the cutting edge as long as you're not the salami." I'm glad you have a sense of humor about all this Alonski, because this kind of issue - model changes and new 'ultimate' products-typical of some manufacturers (not VAC as far as I know) - make some hobbyists nuts.
Since in many cases, I haven't bought the 'latest' model, but have taken advantage of such changes in a manfacturer's line-up to buy the superceded model, used, this has not driven me to distraction. And, I think some manufacturers- not all- offer upgrade programs for loyal customers.
In your case, I doubt this new Statement preamp will be available soon anyway, even if that's what you wanted. (Perhaps I'm wrong, but the time lag from first announcement to actual delivery can sometimes be considerable).
So, enjoy your new preamp. When you are ready, upgrade if that's what you want.
In my experience, though I'm not suggesting that it will be the case here, sometimes the newer product isn't necessarily better or more musical anyway. |
Ears over ego. I could have bought the signature preamp to match my vac 450 but was too happy with my vac renaissance Mkiii preamp to bother. Sometimes less than the flagship is more than enough. In my case I love the renaissance so much i would be nervous even trading up. Ears over ego! Congrats on your purchase. Enjoy!! |
Alonski, contact Kevin and change your order to the Statement. |
You know its going to be a phono stage and probably a preamp. I hope Kevin listened to me last year to come out with a totally dual mono preamp including dual mono power supplies. I just will have to see for myself at CES 2013. |
Oh no! Say it's not true... not yet!
As I wait patiently for my Signature 2a with Phono stage to arrive (read: pacing back and forth in my listening room mumbling to myself), and looking forward to once, just once in this crazy ultra-expensive ridiculously wonderful hobby of ours to allow myself to indulge unapologetically in the audio geek nirvana of knowing that I am enjoying the best preamp Kevin has ever made... I see this:
A full page VAC ad in TAS inviting us to CES to see and experience new components in VAC's "Statement" line! Gulp. So what's missing in the Statement line? A preamp. Crap. It has to be a Statement preamp. And it won't be cheap. And, it will be so amazing that all the reviewers will say "anything before it pales by comparison!"
Arrrrrgh. All my gloating plans crushed. Maybe, if the stars align and I can get my Signature before CES, I may get a few days of gloat time, but nothing like the months of euphoria I was expecting, knowing this is the best VAC preamp ever made and I actually have one! Now, all my audio friends, who I expected to display slack-jawed gear-envy will listen and say, 'yeah, it sounds good, but I heard the 'Statement Preamp' at CES and it is on another level altogether!" Ack.
Request for audio therapy: Any of you relate to this or is it just me? I know the industry (and Kevin) need to move forward with new innovations and ever-better music reproduction... but did you ever feel you wished they could've waited a year?
I know it's all about my Audio Ego, that part of our delicate audiophile psyche that is validated by enjoying and indulging in something which we researched, obsessed over, tested, and ultimately believe is the best there is... something we could never have in our messed-up childhood. Something just for us that we didn't need to ask permission to spend a bunch of money on. Something we keep shiny and clean because on some deep level, we're actually proud of owning, even if there are people in our lives who may not understand...
Tell me I'm not alone out here. Share your story. Get it off your chest. I certainly feel much better. Thanks for reading. |
Bill and Al, Thanks once again for sharing your experience and weighing in on my never-ending questions.
HifiManiac, Thanks for advice on tube-rolling the Sig2a... I'll let everything break in fully with the stock tubes first before starting to play around with NOS gems.
I also loved the sound of George's Zesto Phono Stage (I spent more time with him than any other room at both shows I attended this year). They have the sound really dialed in.
What I have not heard yet is a comparison of Zesto's phono with the lush and beautifully detail-rich sound of the Sig2a's MC Phono stage. But I'm in no hurry, once I get my new preamp I think I'll do something radical like listen to music for a few weeks while my system settles in around the new VAC preamp. |
I own the VAC Signature II with phono and have been pleased with the sound of it. I have owned the Audio Research PH-7 and the EAR solid state 324. The ear is more dynamic than the Audio Research and Kevin's but I have grown to love the fluidity and musicality of VAC's phono. Kevin prefers analog to digital for his listening so you must believe he is taking the time to design a more than satisfactory internal phono. I did swap out my 12AX7's for the Psvane version. The Black Treasure from Shuguang and Psvane tube are made in the same factory and are very similar. I found the Psvane to be quieter and smoother than Kevin's stock phono tubes. I also swapped out the input tubes on his Phi 200 with the Black Treasure 6SN7's and prefer that subtle change. Check out the Tube Store for the Black Treasures. I also can confirm Kevin Haye's support; always generous with his time, input, advice and always honest as the day is long!
I was pulled into the Zesto room last January at T.H.E. Las Vegas by the designer George and his wife Carolyn and truly enjoyed their phono. If you are looking for a very smooth, musical phono this one is incredible for the money. I remembered leaving thinking this unit was far more musical than my ARC PH-7 and anyone who purchased it would not be wanting for anything else; it draws you into the music. I have heard it now on three other occasions and haven't changed my opinion. Great value for the money. |
Alón, re your three questions:
1)As you may realize, regardless of whether other interconnections in the signal path are balanced or unbalanced, and regardless of whether the two components in question are internally balanced or not, having a balanced connection between them will reduce susceptibility to ground loop effects (both low frequency hum and high frequency buzz); will reduce susceptibility to noise pickup in the interconnects; and in some cases will reduce cable effects and cable differences. On the other hand, none of those things may be significant issues in a given setup. And the balanced vs. unbalanced alternatives will call into play different interface circuitry in the two components, and which may be better will depend on the particular designs.
So what I would suggest is asking Kevin for his opinion and/or trying it both ways.
2)Hard to say what minimum amount of separation would be ideal without having intimate knowledge of, and hands-on experience with, the particular design. Sounds like another question for Kevin.
3)I use shorting plugs (not caps) on unused RCA inputs in my system (not on outputs, of course, which should not be shorted). I doubt that they make any difference, but I suppose it is remotely conceivable that they could reduce noise pickup on unused inputs, that might to a small degree couple into the signal path. IMO caps are unlikely to accomplish anything more than keeping out some dust particles. Other opinions may differ, of course.
Best regards,
-- Al |
Props to Albert Porter for turning me on to the KAB device. I knew they existed, but he zero'd in on that one, the company is reliable, and you can get the device quickly.
As to Alonski's questions, I can only offer my own experience:
1. Yes, there are benefits to using the balanced connectors even if everything in the chain is not fully balanced. I also like the firm connection made by XLRs. Whether you can hear a difference, I don't know. I have identical lengths of the same cable terminated both ways, but have not bothered to compare on the stretch between my phono stage and line stage.
2. My assumption on separate power supplies was that they were made separate for a reason. I don't know that you have to go to the length of hiding it, but I think power supplies have the potential to throw off a lot of garbage, and getting them isolated from low level audio signals is beneficial. Having said that, I had the tube power supply to my old line stage separated by one rack shelf and it was fine. The 'stacking' thing you see in photos is likely the same thing as having a blonde as a hood ornament on the car- you wouldn't drive it that way. :)
3. When the designer of the Veloce line stage was at my house, we tried the caps on the RCAs and it didn't make a difference on my set-up. Not that it wouldn't on another... |
Thanks Al and Bill. Your advice and suggestions are appreciated.
If you're open to more questions (anyone jump in here), here are a few that have bubbled up through my dark grey matter in preparation for my new pre:
1. Now that I'll have both amp and preamp able to support Balanced ICs, is there any advantage to having the connection between pre and amp be balanced while all others are single ended?
2. I need to rearrange my rack. Although the Sig's power supply looks really cool with the lit up logo, shouldn't it be as far from my amp and preamp as possible, as in not in the rack? I see the pre stacked on top of the PS in photos, but I thought that was for advertising convenience...
3. Do any of you fellow nut cases cap your unused RCAs on the back of your preamps? Does it make a difference?
I can't wait to get this thing into my system! Thanks all!
Alón |
Alón, yes, that is exactly what I am recommending that you do NOT use. Everything they say in the paragraph you quoted is essentially correct, but no matter how well the CD may be engineered for the particular purpose it cannot control what the PLAYER may do in the event of malfunction, momentary AC power dropouts, etc.
I believe that the moving coil section of the preamp employs a transformer at its input, which would be designed to handle signal levels measured in microvolts (millionths of a volt), and miniscule amounts of current. Misbehavior of the player, caused by the kinds of (admittedly unlikely) events I mentioned could easily put voltages across that transformer that are a couple of thousand times or more greater than those amounts. As well as overloading and stressing circuitry in the preamp that is downstream of the transformer.
Using the KAB device Bill suggested, you would use a conventional CD of your choice, and those risks would be eliminated.
Best regards,
-- Al
|
Thanks you guys! I wasn't planning to try anything without asking Kevin, but your advice has helped me be more prepared for the conversation.
I found this CD from Granite Audio and here's what they say:
Using this CD to burn-in your phono section will save needless wear on your record stylus and turntable. Standard music CD's cannot be used for this purpose because their signal level at 240mv to as much as 4 volts would overload your phono inputs, which are designed to handle only about 4mv of input signal. Also, conventional CD's would have their low frequencies boosted by 20dB more than a phonograph record that was encoded with the RIAA bass rolloff. So, playing a standard music CD through your phono input could also damage your speakers with excessive bass tones. DO NOT attempt to play any standard music CD's through your phono inputs. You can only do this with the Granite Audio Model #CD-101 Phono Burn-In CD. Our CD is the only one that has been engineered for this purpose. |
Bill, that looks to me like an excellent suggestion. You appear to be referring to the "KAB PreconLP Inverse RIAA Level Converter." It appears to be a purely passive device, using resistors and capacitors to divide down the signal level and also provide inverse RIAA equalization.
The only slight caveat I see is that when inputting to the preamp's LOMC inputs I would make sure that loading is set to 100 ohms, as opposed to a value that is much higher (e.g., thousands of ohms). Apparently the device relies on that loading, in conjunction with its own output impedance, to divide down what would otherwise be MM levels to LOMC levels.
In this case, though, even that concern is pretty much eliminated by the fact that the highest value load setting that is provided on the preamp for the LOMC inputs appears to be 470 ohms. That value would still reduce what would otherwise be MM levels by a substantial amount, probably something like 10 db (about a factor of 3 in voltage) according to my calculations.
Best regards,
-- Al |
KAB makes an inexpensive RIAA adapter that enables you to plug a CD player's output into the phono stage input to burn in the latter. I don't think it presents the same safety risk that Almarg described by using a 'burn-in' CD alone. I used the KAB device recently to burn in my new phono stage and had no issues. Almarg- think that's safer? |
Alón, congratulations! That is exciting indeed.
A note of caution, though. Although the chances of a problem occurring would seem to be very remote, I personally would never connect the output of a component capable of supplying upwards of 2 volts or so into the input of a component that is designed to receive and process millivolts or less. Especially one as special and as expensive as this.
Yes, the CD may be designed to cause the player to output a suitable level, but things can go wrong. The player can fail abruptly in unpredictable ways, or go berserk. AC power can drop out, or flicker off and on, causing the player to briefly do who knows what.
As I say, chances of a problem occurring are very small. But I would take NO chances with a component as special as this one.
Best regards,
-- Al |
JWM, thanks. I look forward to getting that CD phono stage burner... That seems like a no brainier! I assume I would just have feed the cd player into the phono inputs... Does it do MM/MC at the same time, or does each stage burn in separately? |
Congrads, you will love the preamp. There is a cd you can buy that will give you the right level for phono and you can break the phono stage in that way a lot quicker. I will post the name of the company. |
UPDATE:
Well folks, I spent a lot of time with the VAC Sig mk2a flagship preamp at two recent highend shows... and now it's the end of november and I still can't get its unbelievable sound out of my head... So today, (drum roll, please) I bought one! I spoke with Kevin and he said It'll take a few weeks to get it to me because I'm getting the optional phono stage and they're back logged with orders... But I did it! It's coming! I will finally be able to A/B my SUT with the MC phono stage in the top of the line VAC, which, did I mention, I bought earlier today!? Can you tell I'm excited?
Thank you all for your guidance, ideas and shared experiences as I explored my options. This is the most I've ever spent on a single component and somehow, I feel calm about it... I even told my wife and she was supportive and gave me a congratulatory hug! Boy, talk about a guy getting lucky... I could be the poster child for "Lucky", standing next to my awesome wife sporting that incredulous goofy grin that I've worn since the day she said "yes!"
As soon as I get this baby in my system I'll post my initial impressions. Those of you who have the Sig2a with phono, how long did it take to burn in? |
Alon, I agree with you. I had many other preamps before. I had the CAT, First Sound, Conrad Johnson, Audio Research Ref 2 Mark 2, VTL 7.5, Reference Line. None of these could touch the VAC. My friend has the Coincident line stage that competes with mine, other than that I have not heard it yet. |
Hey JWM,
OK, now you're just showing off!
Just in case you ever upgrade from your 2A (frankly, at this time I don't know what you could upgrade to), drop me a line if you'd want to part with it. I'm pretty sure it's the best preamp I've ever heard. Keep me in mind.
Cheers,
Alón |
I have the VAC 2a preamp which is direct coupled input to output. I don't have to worry about changing capacitors because there are no capacitors. |
fPlanner: "Huge difference and afterwards had a hard time believing I had been perfectly happy with just 1" Yeah, I know that feeling. I'm leaning towards getting another Phi 200 and then, maybe, explore upgrading the Caps in my VAC preamp.
Has anyone done any Cap Rolling (is that a term or did I just coin it?) with their VAC pre? I've heard amazing stories about sound improvement by swapping stock output caps with teflon/copper V-caps... anyone with experience doing this?
Podeschi: "And his service is second to none in my book" No doubt Kevin is an audio community hero. One of the few true gentlemen I have met in the high-end world. |
Agree with fplanner. Two 200 amps will be a big step up and bettering amps 5X as much. I dare say the 200 amps have newer circuitry than 300.1a so two of them should outperform a 300.1a. The 450 series is in a different league tho to my ears. Kevin has outdone himself. More goodness state of the art - I was dubious spending that much money but now feel like I got a deal. And his service is second to none in my book. He hasn't lost his deep commitment to consumers like many brands do when they get arrogant or big. My 450S is my last amp ...until VAC comes out with something better! |
Having said that, I can also agree that going from 1 to 2 200s is probably better than a doubling of goodness, judging from the improvements I got going from 1 300.1 to 2 of them. Huge difference and afterwards had a hard time believing I had been perfectly happy with just 1.
You get spoiled.... :-) |
Even though I am not a phono guy, I've had VAC gear for years. I believe your dealer is correct re:450s - its at a different build/sonic level than the 200's. |
Dev and Podeschi,
Congratulations on your superb choices. I covet your Statement 450s, both the stereo and the mono blocks. When it was in the VACtory, Kevin told me that I own the best Standard LE with MC he's ever heard (I'd love for him to hear the incredible improvement the outboard SUT makes), but when I can, to acquire another Phi 200. He said having two is such a quantum leap in musicality and ease. However, my local dealer Bob agreed, but said that a stereo 450 would simply blow away my two Phi 200 mono blocks. Any thoughts on this statement (so to speak)? |
Received my VAC 450S and it is incredible....as great as my VAC 300.1a was, this is better...more holographic, makes the speakers disappear even more, etc. And I have non-flagship VAC preamp (Ren Mk III) which I love. Took delivery of the Magico S5 speakers, so now I am done...if I spend money it will be on little tweaks and headphone stuff. |
Alonski, I agree with your statement made in relation to hearing the Vac pre w/phono paired up with the Vac Statement 450 mono blocks because thats been my current set-up for some time no driving my MBL 101E speakers and loven it. My table was the TW Acustic Black Knight with a Reed arm and MSL Ultra Be cart and sounds absolutely marvelous.
I have tried numerous costly external phono stages, I found my self liking this or that but upon listening back to my Vac just sounded amazing. My next phono to listen to is the Burmester 100, crazy price but ... Will see, also Kevin has been working on a Referrence phono which will be coming out soon and should be very interesting. |
Podeschi and Mbump:
I'm still waiting to hear Keith's phono stage... I've been to two big shows recently and could not find a VTPH2 anywhere. But George with his Andros was everywhere, and I really like the Zesto sound. I spent over an hour playing everything from Steely Dan to Rimski-Korsakov on his well matched system. It's good, really good. But I did something really stupid... I took up an invitation to hear the new VAC Statement 450s paired with Kevin's top preamp the Sig Mk IIa and its built in phono stage driving Magico M5s and fed by a dual platter Kronos table and some superb cartridge... Dear God was that amazing! Bob the dealer played a cut of St. James Infirmary and with my eyes closed, Satchmo came to life in the room. I can't stop thinking about that experience. No phono stage I've ever heard can resolve recorded music like that. It was kind of spooky. So since getting the top of the line VAC pre may not happen this year... it's a goal I'm keeping alive. |
I agree with Mbump. I have not heard anything in my system better than the Herron VTPH-2. no upgraditis on the phono preamp front. |
Alonski: I bit late to this party perhaps, but thought I would share a few thoughts. Back in May, I had an opportunity to A/B my EAR 834p Deluxe with the Herron VTPH2 for a couple weeks in my system. Ultimately went with the VTPH 2, as it presented so much more of the music unveiled than the EAR, at least within my system. Forever curious, I recently had an opportunity to audition the Zesto Andros against the Herron, and presently still A/B-ing between them. Tough call here. Although the Zesto has a significantly blacker background, great timbral representation of instrumental sources, and some nice moments with transient clarity, the Herron still images and lays out the sound stage far better. It also offers a bit more upper frequency clarity, and not so much the slight warmth that the Zesto, and of course the EAR, present. Low frequencies are solid and again, true-to-source timbrally, but I find the Herron to be equally so, though I've heard others express some disappointment with the Herron's low frequency presentation. The Zesto offers a plethora of mc load adjustments, etc, on the back panel. The Herron sim. with load plugs, although I run it unloaded for my Dyn XV-1s and it seems to really sing. Lots of positive reviews out there on the Zesto, but I must say, the Herron stands toe-to-toe, IMHO. |
Jfrech! This is all your fault and I'm very grateful. The sound improvement for the reasonable price is really amazing and very rare these days.
Thanks for the invite. Likewise, if you find yourself in the San Francisco area, drop me a note and come by for a listen! |
Alonski, I bought the E.A.R. MC4 SUT I've been demo'ing today. I am sitting here spinning a few LPs and just smiling. Glad we both arrived at the same conclusion...If you're ever in Texas, let me know and stop by ! |
