VAC preamps - too expensive?

If you like VAC, want VAC and can afford VAC, then you are in a position to own and enjoy  some of best and most prestigious museum worthy pieces out there. Go for it!  Life is too short to wait. 

Well I do agree the fewer tubes the better.

I’ve had the sp16 for a number of years. It’s been pretty easy overall on the tubes but with any tube gear you have to be ready when a tube starts to go. 3 tubes in pre-amp and 3 in phono stage.  There is one primary slot for each where you must have very high performance tubes for best performance.   Other 4 are fairly forgiving.

Audio Research is a common option. I use an Audio Research tube pre-amp with phono. Only 6 tubes I run these days. Cost under $2k new during a sale a few years back to make way for newer model.

I’ve had a handful of VAC auditions. Won’t say the two sound the same but both are top notch and seem to shoot for a similar sound, less "tubey" and more SS than many.

My local ARC dealer also sold Rogue as a lower cost option. Nothing he sold ever sounded less than superb.

Do I win a prize for hitting that? I’m looking for a world class integrated amp. A VAC would do just fine.

It’s not easy to be around for many years and post regularly without getting banned or just plain burned out at some point prior. I did take a hiatus for a year or so a few years back. I know at least one person missed me.

I still like music and hifis and all that goes with that. I’d rather talk about that than most anything else. I’m a creature of habit I suppose. Music is a wonderful sedative and way to relax from life’s stresses. Very healthy! The better music sounds, the better it is.

THe "high end" is an interesting place. Especially for a guy from Amish Country like me.  Lots of opportunities to help cut through the noise and get to the meat when it comes to good sound. You learn along the way but the noise never stops. There are expensive things to sell! Just have to find a choice few who are ready and willing to go there.

VAC is very good stuff and has that reputation, so you will pay for that.   

Not if you like VAC pre-amps.