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  1. #1
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    VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp







    Sounds FABULOUS!

    $9,900 MSRP.


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  2. #2

    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    Mike...curious in what aspects specifically it excels in your opinion? Thanks,

    Cyril
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
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  3. #3
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    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by cmalak View Post
    Mike...curious in what aspects specifically it excels in your opinion? Thanks,

    Cyril
    Too early to assess really/compare/contrast. Just first impressions: sounds beautiful with the big VAC sig 200iQ monos.


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    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  4. #4
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    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    Just thought I would resurrect this older thread with a few comments about my VAC Renaissance V. I have had three VAC preamps over the years all on their “lower end”. I started with the Standard LE, then the Renaissance 3, and now for the past year the Renaissance V. My previous two were more similar in build and circuit than different, while the “V” is based on VACs transformer output previously employed in the Signature preamps. The sound is rich, detailed, and has a little of that VAC midrange that makes the music just right to me. I upgraded the two linestage tubes to Phillips 6DJ8 (thank you Andy at Vintage Tube Services). The phono section has externally adjustable loading and has worked well with the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze (0.4mV), Cadenza Black (0.3mV) and now with the outstanding Ortofon Windfeld Ti (0.2mV). VAC Renaissance V > Ayre VX5/20 > Spendor D9 is magic in my room.
    Rick
    Gryphon Diablo 300 w/DAC, Rockport Mira II, Wolf Audio Alpha 3SX, DSA Phono 2, Origin Live Sovereign MK3, Enterprise MK4, Conqueror MK4, SoundSmith Hyperion, Miyajima Zero

  5. #5
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    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    Some day I’m going to have vac in my system.


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    Amplification: DartZeel 468 (2) // DartZeel NHB18NS Mk. II
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  6. #6
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    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by Hounddog View Post
    Some day I’m going to have vac in my system.


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    I hear nothing but good things with VAC


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    Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
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  7. #7

    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    i'm having home demo for vac rennaisance 5 + 200iq,

    sounds different than accuphase.

    Vac has better control in entire frequency spectrum, especially bass control when it went do low (reduce hanging bass too, not sure why). Clarity, depth also increase quite significant. one thing that i missed is the mid and sweet accuphase house sound.
    Jesse

    Thales Slim II ( EMT 75G) , Audio Technica ART-9
    Lumin X1 - Melco N1A/2
    Accuphase 2420, A48, C37
    Tannoy Kenn. GR

    Cables: Ansuz Mainz (Dtc,diamond) PC - Shunyata Alpha Digital PC - Western Electric IC - Western Electric 1960 SC - Audioquest Vodka Ethernet
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  8. #8
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    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    I have the VAC Mk IIa SE- very good preamp, excellent support, beautifully made. Replaced an ARC Ref 5.


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    Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
    Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
    Preamp: Soulution 520
    Amplifier: Soulution 511
    Speakers: Rockport Atria II
    Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
    Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
    Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
    Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike

  9. #9
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    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Too early to assess really/compare/contrast. Just first impressions: sounds beautiful with the big VAC sig 200iQ monos.


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    Listened to the VAC 200 IQs via Kharma DB7S. Sounded natural, not straining.


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    Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
    Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
    Preamp: Soulution 520
    Amplifier: Soulution 511
    Speakers: Rockport Atria II
    Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
    Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
    Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
    Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike

  10. #10

    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    Mike, have you tried the Renaissance V with the AG Duo XDs?

    I think with the Duos the fuller midrange might work well.


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    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

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  11. #11
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    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Mike, have you tried the Renaissance V with the AG Duo XDs?

    I think with the Duos the fuller midrange might work well.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Yes. VAC + AG is a fabulous combo.




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    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  12. #12
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    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    If it blows away the other speakers on my shortlist, bet the AGs will end up in my room.


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    Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
    Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
    Preamp: Soulution 520
    Amplifier: Soulution 511
    Speakers: Rockport Atria II
    Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
    Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
    Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
    Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike

  13. #13
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    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    the renaissance mk v is one of the pre-amps in the mix for an upgrade. any comments, thoughts, opinions, etc from owners and those familiar with this pre-amp would be very much appreciated.

    i am particularly interested to learn more about the noise level observed with this tubed pre-amp, as well as the MM/MC phono option.

    almost embarrassed to ask, but is the pre-amp turned on with the rocker switch on the back of the separate power brick ...doesn't seem to be an on/off switch on the front of the pre-amp unit?

    thanks!
    viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | air tight atc-5 + atm-300r | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + kanjiroba diy transport + roon rock
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  14. #14
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    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    Anyone have experience using upgraded power cords from the wall to the external power supply? Since the PS is connected to the main unit by a factory cord I wonder if the power cord from the wall makes a difference. Recommendations?

    I would also appreciate shared experience on isolation devices used.

    Thanks
    Contributor to stereotimes.com

  15. #15
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    Re: VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by Dizzie View Post
    Anyone have experience using upgraded power cords from the wall to the external power supply? Since the PS is connected to the main unit by a factory cord I wonder if the power cord from the wall makes a difference. Recommendations?

    I would also appreciate shared experience on isolation devices used.

    Thanks
    Hi. Disclaimer- I am a VAC and Ansuz dealer. That out of the way, yes, A high quality AC power cord will absolutely make a difference, just as it does on most quality components with separate power supplies. The captive cable between the Ren V power supply and the preamp carries DC. You still want the AC cable to reduce power line noise into the PS and provide a high-quality ground. Also, isolation of the Preamp as well as the PS from vibration/resonance control is also beneficial; the REN V is very revealing.

    I have had great experience with Ansuz A2 or C2 (if you can spring for that) power cables into this preamp. The Ansuz Darkz are exceptional for isolation and are available at several performance levels.

    Tom
    TIDAL Audio Agoria Loudspeakers; Bricasti M28 Monoblocks; Merrill Audio Element 118 Monoblocks; VAC "Master" preamplifier; Bricasti M1SE DAC; VAC Renaissance SE Phono Stage; Spiral Groove SG-2 TT with Centroid Arm & Transfiguration Proteus Diamond Cartridge; Ampex ATR-102 Tape Deck; Merrill Audio Master tape preamp; Sonore Signature RenduSE Optical network player; Ansuz D-TC2, D2 & C2 cables and DTC Mainz power distribution; Darkz & Sortz Resonance & Noise control; Ansuz PowerSwitch; & PowerBox; Symposium Racks and Rollerblocks; Vicoustic, ASC, GIK & MSR room treatments

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VAC Renaissance 5 Preamp

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