VAC Preamplifiers


I am very interested in VAC preamplifiers to replace my GamuT D3i. I am wondering how much better the upper tier VAC preamplifiers are than the VAC Renaissance mkV with phono. Perhaps VAC owners can assist me....topology appears near identical throughout the line, so it must relate to parts quality and power supplies. Thank you!
normie57
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I’ve tried both the Ren V and Master in my system. Sure, the Master is better - no argument there - it fixes the V’s various minor deficiencies in bass and dynamics, etc. But personally I found it hard to quantify the cumulative effect as night-and-day better, and for a pretty steep price increase - from 10K to 28K (no phono options). That’s money which could be similarly put into a standalone Renaissance SE phono, or towards some Signature 200 iQ monos - I own both of these, they’re absolutely fantastic IMO, and they were both game-changers in my system. FYI all 4 (Renaissance standalone phono, Renaissance V pre, 200 iQ monos, Master - in that order) started as no-risk auditions in my system, and the Ren phono and 200iQ monos were the 2 of the 4 trials that became immediate "must buy"’s.

Superficially, you’re also right - the Master seems to have just the very expensive custom motorized RK50 volume pot (standard motorized RK27 in the V) and beautiful casework as its main differentiators - maybe also adding some more PSU horsepower, and better resistors / cap parts.

Also, I really really like the ARC Ref 6 preamp if you don’t mind some deviation from the VAC sound. The Ren V has those oh-so-sweet VAC mids over the ARC, but other than that the Ref 6 is just stupid good from top to bottom.

Anyways, as always YMMV. But I agree with everyone else in that VAC is a GREAT company that makes phenomenal gear, and you can't go wrong with any of their current offerings! I highly recommend becoming a VAC owner ASAP!
Thank you mulveling!  A very informative and helpful assessment. I aspire to own a Master but the steep price difference between the Ren V and Master will keep me at the very capable 
Ren V.  I’ll give a look at ARC as well.
@joecasey   Thanks for sharing that link.  I completely identify with the reviewer as I too have a thing for combining tube preamps with SS Class A amplifiers.  Combining a VAC Ren MKV with a Pass XA30.8 makes for wonderful synergy in my home.  I agree with him...it's not too much of a good thing ;-)