Another VAC Master Thread

[Mike]

Only thing that bothers me is how loud the masters vol pot/motor is

It’s a wee bit loud, but it’s the best sounding VC according to Kevin, or should I say, the one that affects the sound the least.


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[fathead]

Yes I spoke to them about this totally normal . I sit close to the rack so I can hear it pretty good

 

[VAC]

My only complaint about the Master is I wish it didn't have that damn Cinema switch. Couldn't it be something else, like a Mono mode (with visual/logo indicator)? Or even just switch in a different pretty color for the VAC logos?

I hear you, but it's a funny thing about that Cinema switch; you wouldn't think so, but some people ask for it. Our Renaissance Mk V omits the Cine switch, and that has cost a number of sales. And, yes, we ALL have been caught by this! The other one is people switching off the logo, and then not knowing the preamp is muted.

 

[kimurastanley]

I hear you, but it's a funny thing about that Cinema switch; you wouldn't think so, but some people ask for it. Our Renaissance Mk V omits the Cine switch, and that has cost a number of sales. And, yes, we ALL have been caught by this! The other one is people switching off the logo, and then not knowing the preamp is muted.

One question, my master preamp is not engaged to mute when switched on like before. Any concern on this?

 

[VAC]

It uses Lundahl input transformers, and I don't know if those are before or after the Alps RK50 potentiometer (I'd guess before?), so it might not be a simple as a fixed number. Just email or call VAC and they'll give you the rundown. I'd imagine Kevin, in his wisdom, has set it up to be "sufficiently high impedance for the vast majority of applications" - which would typically mean >= 50,000 ohms, over most of the audible spectrum. Do you have a source you're particularly concerned about?

Approximately 100kOhms, both balanced & single-ended inputs.

 

[VAC]

One question, my master preamp is not engaged to mute when switched on like before. Any concern on this?

It is curious, but not a cause for concern. There apparently is a glitch in the solid state housekeeping circuit that controls the mute timing. You can also sometimes see this if power is cycled off and back on rapidly.

With most preamplifiers this would be a significant issue. However, the Master will not emit any nasty transients during turn on; the balanced circuitry and transformer coupling prevent this.

If you would like to discuss this further, please e-mail me directly. And thank you for being part of the VAC family!

 

[VAC]

Yes I spoke to them about this totally normal . I sit close to the rack so I can hear it pretty good

I tend to think of it as a confirmation that I pressed the remote control button long enough, but it does take a little getting used to. We'll see if we can come up with a quieter drive mechanism in the future.

 

[kimurastanley]

It is curious, but not a cause for concern. There apparently is a glitch in the solid state housekeeping circuit that controls the mute timing. You can also sometimes see this if power is cycled off and back on rapidly.

With most preamplifiers this would be a significant issue. However, the Master will not emit any nasty transients during turn on; the balanced circuitry and transformer coupling prevent this.

If you would like to discuss this further, please e-mail me directly. And thank you for being part of the VAC family!

Thank you. I will email you directly.
I am enjoying the master preamp very much so far