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VAC Master Preamp in the House! I sold my Triode Junone preamp a while ago. It was a fabulous preamp. So, I debated about a few preamps to go for. The VAC Master won me over.
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Very nice!
I like that one :)
It’s only been two hours and this preamp is already the BEST I’ve ever had in my system. It’s a MASTER piece.
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Wow! Very nice Mike.
Mike, this preamp causes insomnia. It’s DEAD quiet. Slightly warm, slightly sweet, meaty, throws a HUGE 3D soundstage. Musical as hell. My toes are tapping.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ritmo
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I wonder how adding the VAC Phono would impact the enjoyment - is there a higher level of tapping? :congrats:Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike
Congrats Mike! I’ve had the pleasure of listening to the VAC Master and I totally agree with everything you said about its sound. Midrange body is unbelievable. Supremely musical.
Ken
Congrats mike. Now all you need is .....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e129cf13a9.jpg
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Congratulations! When I got my Master, I couldn’t believe how much better it was from my previous VAC preamp. EVERYTHING was a LOT better. I am totally in love with mine. An amazing piece.
Dang! I haven’t even plugged in my new Vac Renaissance MkV and I’m already wanting this one! Naw...I’m patient.....Mike will break it in nicely and in a year or 2 when the rumored “GrandMaster” Vac comes out (Kevin and I are now buds) I might get a sweet deal on it!
:dancing:
My advice is to avoid listening to the Master until you’re ready to buy. Once you hear it, you’ll HAVE to buy it. At least that’s what happened to me!
My dealer invited me to his shop to hear the Statement 450’s tomorrow. I have a feeling I might be heading down a similar path :)
I completely agree. It’s just incredible. I’ll be looking forward to your thoughts on the 450’s.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dth31
I spoke to Kevin awhile back about the 200iQ’s, and told him how much I enjoyed them and what a great value they are. He agreed but advised me not to listen to the 450’s unless I was ready to buy them!
Hello Mike, I appreciate it's early days yet but wondering if you had any thoughts on how it compares with the preamp section of Select II DAC? Are you planning to post some videos of your system with this preamp? Many thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike
I don’t have any plans to compare the two. The Master Preamp was for me at home. I sold my Triode Junone preamp a while back and I’ve been going without a preamp.Quote:
Originally Posted by ashandger
Ok many thanks for the feedback. Merry XmasQuote:
Originally Posted by Mike
I am stoked it sounds as good as it looks - 'cause geez it looks good :):)
I ran it all day. I absolutely love it. It’s so musical, sweet, warm, big sound. It reproduces acoustic guitar in a spooky real manner. Vocals are glorious. Top end is sweet, never bright. I just love it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob181
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Curious what tubes you are using? I tried NOS Mullards (a bit too warm and seemed to lack some detail), Telefunkens (nice detail and soundstage but a little too much treble energy), and finally settled on Amperex 7308’s. They suit my taste perfectly.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike
Stock for now while I break it in. Stock tubes are very good. Haven’t cracked the lid to see what they are though. I have a bunch of NOS tubes to try. 7308’s are high on my list.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dth31
..bout time you started to have some fun, merry xmas Mike.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike
Ditto from the Land of Oz - enjoy very moment - note to self a VAC is NOT a vacuum cleanerQuote:
Originally Posted by bzr
On second thoughts it is - hoovers your wallet - :):)
just wondering... what is the retail price on this one?
$28,000Quote:
Originally Posted by steinkrieg
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A preamp is next on my list to pair with my XA-160.8’s and curious how this one compares to the ARC Ref10.
It’s been two weeks since I added the VAC Master Preamp to my system at home. I’ve listened every single day. It’s a preamp that just draws you into the music. It gives up nothing - in any area. It has gorgeous timbres, luscious mids, weighty bass and smooth on top, never bright or forward. It’s also dead quiet on my horns. The soundstage is big and deep. Most importantly, it just makes you want to listen and listen and listen. It’s perfectly musical.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike
I've had this preamp for a couple months now. What Mike says is spot on. Weighty, big and deep, detailed, smooth. Best preamp I've had.
Rolled some NOS Amperex 7308s I had which give it a slightly fuller sound with even more relaxed highs. But honestly, even with the stock Electro Harmonix tubes it's great.
Now waiting on a VAC Signature 200iQ amp to try....
Great news Rance. VAC is awesome.
Roll some 60's Siemens or Telefunken e88cc if looking for more neutral sound. These are my favorite in the VAC SigMKIIa SE preamp.Quote:
Originally Posted by rrwmd
Replacing fuse with SR Blue is another simple upgrade. In SigMKIIa SE, looking at back of unit fuse holder, fuse arrow should point left to right.
I do not normally visit online forums, but this post was pointed out to me, and there are two points of clarification to offer:Quote:
Originally Posted by Dguitarnut
1) VAC is not working on a "GrandMaster" preamplifier (although I do rather like the name).
2) Sweet deals must come through authorized VAC dealers.
That said, wishing everyone good music & all the best,
Kevin
Welcome to the forum Kevin, thank you very much for joining.
Hey If Trump can tweet nonsense so can I!Quote:
Originally Posted by VAC
Latest was hurricane Dorian affecting Alabama.
:roflmao:
Thank you for your kindness, Joe!Quote:
Originally Posted by joeinid
Welcome Kevin and the team at VAC. Looking forward to getting our new products for the store. Big VAC fans here.
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welcome Kevin and Team.
I am still running a CLA1 MKII Pre-Amp :)
Thanks for joining and the clarification Kevin!Quote:
Originally Posted by VAC
Garrett Hongo reviewed the Master preamp on SoundStage Ultra:
https://www.soundstageultra.com/inde...r-preamplifier
He had previously reviewed the Signature MkIIa SE and LOVED it. He found the Master “easily trumps it in every way”. That, too, was my experience. I didn’t feel I was missing anything with the Signature MkII, UNTIL I heard the Master. Truly a “Whoa! I didn’t realize a preamp could sound so good” moment for me!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike
Yikes!! Somebody get the oxygen! Just jivin'. :D