My closest hi-fi friend carefully compared his DCC2 to his Lamm L2 preamp, the latter clearly being one of the best sounding preamps made. The two preamps were so close in his system (an all-out system featuring $50k CAT Limited Edition monoblocks) that hearing or describing the differences was difficult. If you look at the threads, you will see that many others report comparing the DCC2 to top-notch preamps and finding the differences to be subtle, and sometimes, the DCC2 "winning". I will alert my friend to this thread and see if he has comments.
I own VAC Renaissance 140/140 monoblocks and think I have an idea of Kevin Hayes' sonic priorities. I could be wrong, but my guess is that the VAC, by virtue of using a triode circuit (two if you count the phono stage), will be a bit bloomier and lush than strictly neutral, and thus sound a bit colored (but good colored) compared to the DCC2, which to my ears is very neutral. You may want to read the Stereophile review of the VAC Renaissance Signature Mk. II preamp, which the Phi is evidently very similar to. The VAC will be built like a tank and never break.
I have never heard the Blowtorch (PS - why didn't they name it "Fireplug" or "Camshaft" or "Betty"?).
I own VAC Renaissance 140/140 monoblocks and think I have an idea of Kevin Hayes' sonic priorities. I could be wrong, but my guess is that the VAC, by virtue of using a triode circuit (two if you count the phono stage), will be a bit bloomier and lush than strictly neutral, and thus sound a bit colored (but good colored) compared to the DCC2, which to my ears is very neutral. You may want to read the Stereophile review of the VAC Renaissance Signature Mk. II preamp, which the Phi is evidently very similar to. The VAC will be built like a tank and never break.
I have never heard the Blowtorch (PS - why didn't they name it "Fireplug" or "Camshaft" or "Betty"?).