Why Not More Conversation about VAC?

Jwm, Recently I replaced a Gold with a Supreme. The Gold is warmer and Supreme is more detail and higher resolution. HiFi Tuning fuse is directional. Facing the fuse holder, I prefer a right to left direction. In the other direction, the sound is lean and constricted and it's NOT subtle.

I AB against the stock fuse with familiar tracks, a constant volume and just swapping the fuses. I consistently found with the HiFi Tuning, sound was noticeably smoother and less hifi-ish.

In my VAC Sig MkIIa preamp, I finally settled on Telefunken 12au7 ribbed plates and Siemen e88cc w/ wide getter support post.

The Siemens are my FAVORITE by far. It's very fast, transparent, 3D, great extension, great dynamics ... I'm constantly amazed how 2 little tubes can totally transform a system. Have some Siemen Cca in transit now from a reputable dealer so can't wait. Also using HiFi-Tuning Supreme fuses.

I noticed ARC is replacing the 6550 with KT120 in all their amps. I wonder if VAC is migrating in the same direction. In most circumstances, it's a drop in replacement without mod if there's room. I wonder if it's true with current VAC amps ... so far only heard POSITIVE comments on the KT120.

Mribob, VAC warranty is NOT transferrable and one of the reasons I bought mine new. The other is my preamp RARELY shows up on Agon.

I spoke with Kevin before rolling any tubes and changing the fuse. He gave me suggestions and offered his opinion. He is very supportive in my desire to experiment and always ask me to report anything interesting.

I buy all my rare NOS tubes from reputatable dealers. It's more expensive but have a peace of mine they are genuine and top quality. IMO, the only drawback in tube rolling is $$. Do your homework and if you don't like the changes, take them out.

... Not so much so on the preamp.

Definitely NOT my experience eventhough I agree not broken in stock form.

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If I hadn't just done it, I probably wouldn't have believed such an improvement was possible with just a few little (but expensive :-)) tubes...
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Fplanner2010, Your 300.1 weren't broken ... you said if best yourself :-) I'm also a big fan of the BT CV-181-Z and rolling them in my DAC so imagine rolling a super CV-181-Z in your preamp. Tube rolling is just a vehicle that is available for an user to dial in the sound to their taste ... no right or wrong and bad or good but just personal preferences.

One of the reasons I decided on a VAC was it ONLY uses a MP of 12au7 and e88cc. These are very common tubes that I'm familiar with so it took little time in dialing in my sound.

Dev, funny your ask. One of my long time tube dealers found me a new MP of 60's Siemens CCa and just got them last Wed. But the system is sounding so good, I don't plan to tinker with it for a while. I finally settled with 60's Siemens wide getter support post E88CC and 50's Telefunken ribbed plate 12AU7 / ECC82

I agree with everyone just enjoy your 450 Statements and Preamp in stock form for a long long while. A Ferrari is a Ferrari whether it's riding on Pirellis or Michelins :-)

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05-22-11: Fplanner2010
Knghifi - thanks for sharing above. Do I understand you to be saying the CV-181-Z can replace some tubes in my preamp? Which ones? I have the Ren Sig MkIIa. This is pure curiosity for when/if I decide to do a bit more "tweaking". Thank you again.
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NO, that's NOT what I meant. You cannot use CV-181-Z in your preamp. What I meant is I got my Ren Sig MKIIa to sound similiar to the CV-181-Z sonic characteristics that we both like.

What about v1 and v4?