VAC owners, sound off

Fplanner2000, watch it. my questions have been honest, cut and dry and for me very pertinent, esp with a brand i don't know and thus trying to get info from others in the know.

1. Is old VAC gear reliable
2. Is old VAC gear tech comprable and still relevant to more modern gear and subsequent *possible* improvements in technology over the years.

My questions have been answered from those who have thankfully shed their personal experiences. And yes, it absolutely matters what people "feel". I was asking for opinions.

Responses like yours make forums like this for people with obviously less experience and wisdom as you feel unwelcome at a good ol boys club. Gee, maybe if i get some VAC gear and start hanging out with snoots like you I can piss on someone other newb's thread after I feel self-important enough. Maybe I missed something, but I thought it was ok to ask questions on a forum.

At any rate, I do appreciate everyone who answered my questions with their own personal experiences with the gear.

Tholt- Your questions have been answered. Just get the piece and try it yourself, or don't. Asking too many what-if questions that are not realistic for you starts to make it look like you are not really serious about the purchase, in which case you are wasting everyone's time. It really doesn't matter what other people "feel", which is very subjective - your "objective" questions have already been well-answered above by a number of long-time well-meaning VAC owners.

I recently shipped my VAC Musicblocs back to the VAC factory via Fedex ground for service and upgrade. Even though I packed the amps better than shipped from the factory, the gentle-handed folks at Fedex managed to crack open one of the transformers, yet Kevin( in all his kindness) re-welded it back like new and charged me nothing for his services. I love my VAC amps and when and if I ever upgrade, I plan on staying in the VAC family.

Well Tholt,

Anytime you can pinpoint us a tube preamp selling new for 1500 $ that equals a nine year old VAC Standard, please tell us because I'm really curious to hear such a marvel !

In the meantime, I had a friend's CJ PV-15 LS in my system about 18 months ago. A nearly 3000 $ machine of a recent vintage. Forget it ! Simply not in the same league ! Very pleasant unit to listen to, warm and involving. Does'nt come near the quality in the imaging and resolving details in the background.Most noticeably is the dynamics differential between instruments and the capacity to pinpoint them in space.

Jab, my comparison was only in the build quality of the products, not the companies.

The other thing I was wondering about, aside from build quality and reliability over the long term, is something Tvad touched on -- that of technology development over the years. My guess is because preamps of this caliber rely more on solid engineering and obsessive build quality rather than fad or bleeding edge technology and mass production, it's not so much an issue. Still, does anyone feel concern is warranted about buying a 9+ year old VAC with 9 year old technology and materials (and thus a lower used price) compared with more modern, newer units in the same used price range? Or do you feel older VAC quality at a used price would still trump a lesser but newer model at the same price?

I had a VAC amp back in the 1990s and loved it..never had an issue..I would suggest if buying a9 year old amp ,have the seller agree to a grace period giving you a couple weeks or so and have it checked out..or have him service it before sending cash...

I presume you are looking at a Standard Pre since a few ones are available right now. I had an LE model for the last 9 months. While shopping, I had a chance to listen to a VTL 5.5, an Aesthetyx Calypso, a CJ Premier 10 and a CJ Premier 17. All of them were equally fine units (depending of your musical taste) in about the same price range (on the used market). I finally chose the VAC because of its overall sonic presentation and value/price ratio with a phono stage, which was an advantage over the other units.

A technician had a look at it recently, by curiosity because he heard about the brand but never seen one before, so he asked me if he could look at it. He was very surprised at the quality put into the fabrication of the preamp. He told me I had a "point to point" preamp (go figure what it means but from what I understand, more handcraft is involved with individual connections instead of boards)which is a sign of much higher quality. Supposedly very rare especially at this price point.

Now, it is a very transparent player with a forward presentation. Imaging is its stronghold but it is not as involving as other units, unless you experiment with some tube rolling. After following "Joe's tube lore" recommendations, I finally tuned it to my taste and came to fully enjoy it. But it has to be carefully matched with the other components.

Strangely, I recently replaced it by a CJ Premier 16 MK II that suddenly appeared at a price nobody could have a second thinking (recession sometimes has some advantages !). Totally different sounding machine with a tremendous reputation backing it ! I will say this, in my system, the VAC doesn't give an inch in the imaging and is more transparent than the Pr 16. The 16 is richer in the mid bass and generally mellower in its overall presentation. For the moment, there is no way I'm selling the VAC at the price they're going right now. I'll find another use for it !

It Canada, VAC is a not known. I did a lot of research on the net, on Audiogon and the rest and could not find a lot of reviews or comments about the unit. I think this has to be taken into account about its resale value. But for the long term investor, nobody can go wrong with VAC !

Guys, really appreciate your candid responses so far. I was thinking I would hear things of that nature. VAC gear reminds me of McIntosh in that way. Wishing everyone here a happy Thanksgiving.

VAC makes bullet-proof gear and supports it better than most anybody in audio. On my 2nd preamp from them (upgraded to Phi 2.0) and 1st (and probably last, unless I get another and turn monoblock) amp - Phi 300.1. Can't go wrong w/VAC gear.

Also, FYI, Kevin really IS as unbiased as he can be and still stay in business!! He neither lies nor misleads, EVER. I wish all manufacturers were as honest as Kevin........

My 90C is 15 years old and still going strong.It also has survived a move cross county and back.

I had a VAC Standard Pre and PA100/100 amp for a number of years. VERY well made equipment. Simple circuit designs, so I would not worry about 9 year old VAC gear. You may need to replace tubes, but they are a common type. Kevin Hayes is a great guy to talk to, very knowledgeable.