2. amps-preamps
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VAC Ren II, VAC Phi, or ARC Ref 3?

Finally, the two cold solder joints in one of my Rowland 7M amplifiers have been fixed. Just a simple 2 minutes soldering job at home, thanks to a kind live phone consult by Jeff himself. Now the system is back purring like a kitten.
Great say you, but. . . the problem is that now I have fallen totally prey to Upgraditis Furiosa, the most pernicious and 'wife threatening' form of Audiophilia Nervosa.
I listen mostly to classical--lots of chamber, vocal, Early Music, Baroque, Romantic, some large orchestra, lots of cello and other strings--on a system that I have lovingly put together over the last 20 years: EAD T1000, AT&T glass C-core glass wire, EAD D7000 Mk. 3, AudioQuest Quartz RCA, Audio Research LS2B, Gutwire XLR, Jeff Rowland 7M monoblocks, Cardas Golden Ref PCs on 7M, Cardas Golden Ref speakerwires, MagnePan 3A speakers.
The sound is sweet, lush, with a large if slightly unfocused soundstage, sometimes slightly veiled, somewhat soft at the bottom, can sound glorious in the midrange, good if not spectacular at the top. Much better at small ensembles than at full orchestra, where the sound stage can collapse and full strings and brass often display signs of brittleness and two-dimensionality. But, so much for self-criticism. Now what to do?
I intend to migrate towards a fully balanced system, with redbook and SACD capability and a tube linestage. I will start upgrading at the source and linestage points. The source will be an Esoteric X-01 or an upcoming APL NWO-1. But in this thread I'd like to discuss options for a new linestage. My requirements are an open and detailed, sweet sound, accurate with minimal coloration, with very good but not necessarily overwhelming macro-dynamics, an excellent three-dimensional and accurate soundstage, superior microdynamics and subtle nuance. The linestage must sound great out of the box--after breakin of course: not only after going through many cycles of NOS tubes musical chairs. All of this from a company with a stellar track record and reputation in quality, dependability and pre/post sale support. I listened to the VTL 7.5 and found it to be too soft. The BAT VK51SE sounded too dark. Then I listened at length to the VAC Ren II, which seems to embody all of my requirements. I have not heard the VAC Phi as yet, but it is in the running by inference. Nor I have listened to the ARC Ref 3, although I intend to: Ref 3 is in the running by reputation.
Suggestions? Opinions? It's your turn guys and girls!
guidocorona

Showing 8 responses by fplanner2000

fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Fsarc -Yes, my unit is older. I'm sure yours already has what mine is getting. The reason for the "tweaks" is that I have a few system aberations that Kevin and Brent are making gain allowances for in the Phi circuitry. It will not make mine any "better" than a stock Phi, just will fit my system a little better.

Isn't the sound amazing? Too bad more people don't know about this piece - as soon as it gets a review somewhere, you might be glad yours ONLY took 12 weeks!

Happy listening!
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Pscialli - I've had a VAC STD LE for 3 months now and I really like it. It does not have the phono stage, which is not a problem for me at this point since I don't spin vinyl. I really like the VAC sound, and after talking to Kevin H. several times, will be moving up to the Ren Mk2 soon (I hope).

I really like the detail and layering I get from the LE, and Kevin says the Ren Mk2 is a better choice for me than the Ren Sig for these characteristics. There are also advances made in the Ren Mk2 that are lacking in the Signature and the designs are totally different, From a developmental standpoint, it seems as though the Phi is an evolution from the Ren Mk2, NOT from the Ren Signature, as may have been previously stated elsewhere in this thread.

The only other preamp for comparison in my system was a Thor TA-1000 Mk2. The Thor stickers at around $10K, and in my system had a little better bass tightness and extension, plus a little better overall dynamics than the VAC. It was a noticeable, but not huge difference and I was pretty surprised at how close the VAC actually came to the Thor. In fact, to my ears, the VAC's transparency was a shade better than the Thor's - there seemed to be a little more detail present. I guess it depends upon what you are listening for, etc. Kevin also suggested that the bass and dynamics result was probably partly due to an impedence matching issue between the LE and my DNA-500 amp, which is not present with the Ren Mk2.

In summary, the VAC Std LE is a surprisingly strong performer, (at least the line stage is) from my experience, and the better the system surrounding it, the better it will sound. Paired with my APL 3910 Denon and Whisper speakers, poorly recorded disks still sound like what they are, but well-recorded disks sound between great and incredible! I find myself listening to CD's I haven't heard in years and just grinning....... guess that's what its all about, right?

I know its subjective, but hope this helps.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Just got my Phi 2.0. I can't stop smiling.... (plus, it looks great!). Smooth, detailed, wide and deep soundstage (when its in the music), perfect placement of instruments, very involving and musical. Need to tweak my system some (a little too much gain going in) and when that is done, then I'll get to REALLY hear it! These are just first impressions.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Got my Phi back from Kevin and have greater low level volume control than before. I really like this preamp, and even though currently working through a few system difficulties apparently created by the Equalizer for my Whisper speakers, it still sounds great. Imaging, extension, detail, layering and musicality - its all there in spades. The sound is ever-so-slightly warmed by the 8 tubes, but in a really nice, very real sort of way. Close your eyes and you would swear the musicians and/or singers are in the room with you, and you can point them out with ease.

The music just naturally flows. I haven't heard the Ref3, so can't comment on it. Guido - send me an e-mail if you have specific questions.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
My Phi 2.0 is also at VAC, receiving this Volume Control Upgrade plus a few more little "tweaks". The "VCU" is supposed to do exactly what Bhouser says. Hopefully will be back Wed.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Congrats on FINALLY making a decision. Did you get to hear the Phi? I really like my Phi in combination with my modded APL 3910 which compares favorably to the X-01, or so I've been told. Then again, I don't listen to classical chamber music, so I guess to each their own. Once again, good luck with the new gear.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Guido-
You might be amazed trying a really good powercord, especially on the Esoteric. I've had great luck with Electraglide Epiphany and Elrod Signature and Statement cords. My suggestion would be to call John at The Cable Company and see if they have 1 of these to "rent" - will only cost you $30-40 or so and it could totally end up rocking your world. Seriously. I mean it.

Also, Alex Peychev's (APLhifi.com) next project I believe is a mod on the X-01. My Denon was totally gutted except for the box, transport and multi-channel bits, with all new APL goodies shoehorned in, including a Class A tube output stage. You might check out the website and the forums attached.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Guido: You must have different ears than me - to me the ARC3 sounds quite sterile and uninvolving, totally opposite of my VAC Phi 2.0. Too bad you never got to hear it before making your purchase... Oh well, maybe you can upgrade to it in a few years????

Take care and enjoy your new toy.

I'm also a little curious about your Helix Shunyata experience with the Esoteric. I currently have an Epiphany going to my 3910 and may go to an X. Please e-mail me when you get the chance.

Thanks
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