I´m a little bored with so many cables(very expensives)and with two electronics for care, and I have one idea, as I can expend until around $25.000 for electronics,which of the followings solutions is better for you :
1.-Buy a great integrated as can be the VAC or other, not the ASR Emitter, I know it well and for his price money I can buy a lot of betters things.
2.-Buy a great preamplifier as Aestethix Callisto, VTL 7.5 or ARC ref3 with a oly good amplifier as ASL Hurricanes or Rogue Zeus
3.- Buy A medium quality preamp as Calypso, Herron or Modwright with good amp as the CAT JL2 signature, VTL 450; Viola or VAC Phi amps
4.-Boulder series 1000 preamp and amp
5.-Rogue preamp with theirs Zeus monoblocks
6.-VAC preamp with VAC amp
Well as you can see the TRUE question is great integrated or good preamp and amp. Thanks to all.
Having recently made the transition from separates to integrated (Vac Phi Beta), I am very pleased with the result. Of course fewer interconnects, cords, and less space required, but beyond that I now have the best sound I've had in my system. Last incarnation of separates was: Mcintosh 501 monoblocks, with Aesthetix Janus Preamp. In considering Vac Integrated versus Vac separates, I encourage you to call Kevin Hayes who builds them. He can clarify the differences--It is clear that he is very proud of the Phi Integrated. Good luck. Joe
I recently switched to the Vac Phi Beta from costlier seperates and have been totally happy. The Beta strikes a perfect balance of musicality, neutrality and detail without being dry or analytical. It sounds great with stock tubes and has a full function remote including phono. When you add these features together plus the cost savings from interconnects and power cords, the Beta begins to show its value. The only concern left is, can your speakers can be driven by 110 watts?
My experience tells me this mathematical equation doesn't tell the whole story. It may be that speaker manufacturer's specs are incomplete or imprecise because speaker selection is that easy. In fact, I'd say most speakers would benefit from having more power.
i had a VAC 70/70 (65 watts) driving 89db Martin Logans, and I was never able to turn it up enough for the sound to get strained or break up or harsh. It was always pure, open and relaxed no matter what the volume... so 110 VAC watts is goign to be plenty on 89db speakers. One of these days I'm goin to own a Phi amp...
Sorry one more question, I read that at the 2006 CES one french company displayed one integrated amplifier that is the DK integrated, but at $1600, do you knows the name of this company? can be Sheng Yu?.Thanks
I am on the integrated side of the fence, having changed from a costly pre/power combination to a Viva Solista 845 SET integrated and Lavardin IT for a change. There are clear advantages to both routes and I am sure for the ultimate sound a Pre and Monoblocks are the best product in most manufacturers lines. But I am not after the very best money can buy, with kids in college I can't afford it. There are disadvantages to a single chassis, ie proximity of output transformers to the low voltage Pre circuits, but to me the cost savings outweigh this. Logically spending the same amount on a pre/power and integrated, you ought to get more bang for your bucks with the integrated. Before anyone jumps down my throat, I know life is'nt as simple as that.
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