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Why Not More Conversation about VAC?

As I browse Audiogon's posts...I'm constantly amazed at the lack of attention, questions, remarks about VAC, (Valve Amplification Company).
First and foremost, I'm thinking that most if not all of us are music lovers--and I'm not aware, subjectively, of course, of more, just out and out, musical sounding electronics. And, I don't mean that in a perjorative, 'colored' sense...I mean that in the most flattering sense.
The lack of comments may mean nothing, but it just strikes me as 'absent' from good discussions.
Second, and beyond the stellar sound, if you want great gear, and a great person to buy it from, who better in terms of accommodation, knowledge and service than Kevin Hayes. Like the Bobster (Palkovic) his reputation for building first rate stuff and then backing it to the hilt is unsurpassed.

Kevin is also a great guy AND music lover of the first order...a friend too, but I'm not shilling here, just seriously wondering why VAC isn't further up the discussion ladder.

Kinda like reading Motor Trend Magazine, in which they 'Test Drive' a Mustang in EVERY ISSUE!!!

Just wondering.

Larry
lrsky

Showing 2 responses by mcondon

mcondon
235 posts
 
I just bough a VAC Phi 200 to replace a McIntosh MC275 and think it was money well spent. The VAC is exceptionally musical and a joy to listen to. It does not have quite as gorgeous a mid-range as the McIntosh, but it actually seems more natural with better extension, better detail, and incredible dynamics.

But VAC is expensive, especially the preamps, and VAC gear doesn't show up for sale used very often. Hence there may not be as much discussion as there is for gear that frequently is listed for sale. In general, really expensive gear does not get discussed much. I cannot remember ever reading any owner impressions of Boulder amps, for example, nor do I ever see Boulder gear come up for sale used.
mcondon
235 posts
 
Podeschi, I don't own a VAC preamp, just a VAC amp (the Phi 200). I agree with most reviewers that the VAC Phi 200, even though fully balanced, sounds better with single-ended than balanced interconnects. I have done some extensive auditioning of cables and can recommend Crimson Music Links cables. At $320 for a 1 meter pair, they are a real find, better than anything else I tried, which included cables that cost up to $1100. The US distributor in Austin allows an extended demo of the cables. WyWires were also quite good for the money, especially if you want subterranean and very textured bass, but the Crimsons edged them out in my setup for overall openness.

If money is no object, I would give Tara Labs' high-end cables a try, although they cost almost as much as VAC components.
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