VAC Signature Preamplifier mkII

Kurt_tank

Thanks; I will do so when I have some free time.
Meanwhile I will share that my system consists of
EMM CDSA player
Basis 2500 TT
Clayton M-300 monoblocks
Revel Ultima Salon II's
Stereovox reference cabling (IC and SC)
Cardas Golden Ref AC cords throughout

Differences from VTL 7.5 and ARC Ref 3: More natural timbres/tonality...vocals incredibly natural.
Bass slightly more extended and "natural"
Highs about equal

Phono stage excellent and near silent.

The VAC Ren Sig mkII just makes me smile each tme I turn it on...gorgeous aesthetics and sound:)

I realize this comes at a price, but every dollar goes into quality and not advertising. Kevin Hayes is one of the very best in high end audio, extremely friendly, and an invaluable resource, no matter what your budget.

The only dedicated phono preamp I have owned is the Thor TA-3000, which enjoys a fine reputation, albeit company viability issues. As I do not listen to vinyl as much as digital, I have preferred very excellent full function preamps, with fine phono stages, like the VAC Sig mkII and the Accuphase 2410 with phono module.
The integrated phono section of the VAC is as good as the Thor TA 3000, and is actually more quiet (near silent)
I use an MC Transfiguration Orpheus at 0.3 mV with absolutely no problem with adequate amplification or noise.

Only RCA inputs standard for phono I'm afraid. However, Kevin will be happy to supply an XLR input, upon request at extra cost, if this is important to you....another example of VAC's willingness to work with their customers.

Can't go wrong if you're itching for a change.

Of course if you have a favorite dedicated phono preamp, you can feed it's outputs into one of two XLR line inputs on the VAC Sig II.

I should mention that the less costly Ren MKIII offers approx 90% of what you get with the Sig, including phono stage.....IMHO the best bang for the buck in preamps available...however the Sig mkII is one step better.

Thanks to all the respondants.
I believe we are all speaking of world class preamps:)
The Ren Sig mkIIA (just a slight remake on the cosmetics and now available with 2 XLR outs) does it for me, but I'm sure I could be very happy with the Aesthetix preamps and the Aria. I tried the original Janus; alittle to noisy for me, but I'm told the Signature model eliminates most of this issue.
One thing for sure..we are dealing with class acts when we speak of Kevin Hayes, Jim White and Michael Elliott.
Enjoy!