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 9 responses by podeschi

Interesting and entertaining thread....Although there aren't tons of threads about VAC gear on Audiogon there are enough references (in VAC-centric threads and also as reference comments in threads about other gear) to understand that it is one of the few brands where owners are uniformly and consistently very happy with the performance over the long haul. I am about a week away from receiving a VAC 300.1a and VAC Ren III preamp so am eager to enjoy the VAC build quality and sound. One of the reasons I opted for VAC was also related to the principles and background of Kevin. Good information on VAC's website about his personal/professional history that gives a glimpse into his values and dedication to engineering in service of enjoying music. We are lucky to have really good guys engineering great equipment in the US (e.g., my phono amp is a Herron VTPH-2, and Keith Herron is another wonderful human being whose engineering prowess translates to my audio benefit). I'll report back once I have the VAC gear in my system.
Thanks for good tips on tube rolling. Which leads me to another conclusion I previously reached after reading posts by VAC owners on Audiogon -- i have been impressed with the level headed, polite and positive demeanor of VAC owners on Audiogon. Low drama and hyperbole. High integrity and helpfulness.
A question for those who run a VAC amp with VAC preamp. Which is a better connection between pre and amp, balanced or unbalanced? And any particular recommendations on interconnect between VAC pre and amp? Thx in advance for advice.
Question...seems posts and advice when I called VAC points to putting a matched pair of 6sn7s into the middle two sockets on the 300.1a (v2 & v3). But the manual states that V1 and V2 should be transconductance matched pairs, and V3 and V4 should be transconductance matched. Which is right?
I am about to order Herbies tube dampers and i have brass weights on top of preamp for resonance control. Biggest difference on microphonics i experienced was trading out vac preamp phono tubes since i was experiencing low frequency hum/microphonics thru my velodyne sub.
Would be nice to have the 450 Statement monos. Doesn't get better than that...I'd settle for a 450S or even just one more 300.1a.

Dev, I put in some back up Russian (new) tubes that were sent to me by Keith Herron for my VTPH-2 phono preamp, which is utterly silent and amazing as a phono preamp. Makes me wonder how great his VTSP-3a preamp must be.

System is:
- Clearaudio Innovation Wood turntable with Graham Phantom Supreme tonearm and Benz LP-S cartridge to Herron via Tara Labs Zero GX phono cable. Second arm = Schick 12" with Miyajima Premium BE mono cartridge
- Second table is Atma Sphere 208 (modified Empire) table with Triplanar VII ii arm and Soundsmith Ebony Voice cartridge (into VAC phono section MM)
- Modwright 5400es sacd/cd player
- PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC and Bridge
- Audience AR12 conditioner and power chords "e"
- mix of Harmonic Technology, Silkworm+ and Cardas GR cables
- Just replaced Esoteric MG20 speakers with Magnepan 3.7s
- Velodyne DD15+ subwoofer
- various isolation devices (e.g., Symposium ultra platforms)
BTW, the tubes I put in the VAC 300.1a are the ken-rad vt 231 black glass. Like them a lot.
Dev,
Yes, I've compared the Herron to my VAC, the Fosgate Signature, etc in my system, and in other's systems as well. There is something about the organic transparency and timing of the VTPH-2 that I have yet to find in any phono preamp. It works perfectly for my ears. The MC section is particularly strong in the VTPH, preferring it to even really good SUTs going into MM on VAC or Herron. BTW, I was getting ready to box and store my redbook CDs until I bought the Modwright 5400es. I had listened to/auditioned 10k+ cd players and nothing approached the natural timber and soundstage of vinyl until I heard the Modwright. Ordinary redbook CDs are unbelievable, as are SACDs (a bit wider of a soundstage)....Some redbook CDs beat vinyl in listenability (e.g., dynamics and noise floor).
JWM, thanks and by the way I purchased a VAC preamp and amp partially due to the threads I've read here on Audiogon, including your's, so thanks, because I love my VAC gear, and think Kevin Hayes is superb with his service level.