VAC Master Preamp Review

Like the Constellation Andromeda phonostage, I knew in the first minute of listening to the VAC Master that it was on a whole ‘nother playing field from my previous VAC preamp. I thought THAT preamp was a top-notch preamp, and it was. But the Master was better in every way. I absolutely love mine, too!

There is one sentence in that review, however, that I would point out as also being very accurate, “...and it’s built-in phono stage was of reference level and the equal of almost any other standalone phono stage other than the most extreme luxury models I’ve heard” (emphasis added by me). Don’t buy the built-in phono stage thinking that it will be as good as it gets. It’s very good, but not nearly as good as the Andromeda, for example. Of course, the term “extreme luxury models” definitely applies to the Andromeda!
 
Dth31 said:
Like the Constellation Andromeda phonostage, I knew in the first minute of listening to the VAC Master that it was on a whole ‘nother playing field from my previous VAC preamp. I thought THAT preamp was a top-notch preamp, and it was. But the Master was better in every way. I absolutely love mine, too!

There is one sentence in that review, however, that I would point out as also being very accurate, “...and it’s built-in phono stage was of reference level and the equal of almost any other standalone phono stage other than the most extreme luxury models I’ve heard” (emphasis added by me). Don’t buy the built-in phono stage thinking that it will be as good as it gets. It’s very good, but not nearly as good as the Andromeda, for example. Of course, the term “extreme luxury models” definitely applies to the Andromeda!
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True. And certainly not as good as the one I have on order for myself:

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I currently have the Signature Mk IIa SE. Special breed of preamps IMO.


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Haha! I would NEVER let my dealer bring the Statement Phono by my house for an audition. Ignorance IS bliss. Once you’ve heard something, it can be hard to un-hear it. And I don’t want to know what I’m missing—I can’t afford to! :)
 
Dth31 said:
Haha! I would NEVER let my dealer bring the Statement Phono by my house for an audition. Ignorance IS bliss. Once you’ve heard something, it can be hard to un-hear it. And I don’t want to know what I’m missing—I can’t afford to! :)
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Since I ordered it in January (there was 26 ahead of mine, 26!!!!), I still wonder if I’m nuts. Well, I am, but aren’t we all? My Kronos Pro and AVID Acutus DARK tables will be happy with the Statement!

I went over to the factory last week to check on my baby. It’s coming along.

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Congratulations! I have no doubt that it will bring you many, many, many hours of blissful enjoyment. Kevin is one of the very best designers out there. It will be KILLER.
 
Mike said:
True. And certainly not as good as the one I have on order for myself:

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Congrats Mike! That should be an outstanding piece.


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Take Mike with a grain of salt.....I believe he gets a discount on VAC! :P
I love my Vac Master preamp also. There again I think even the Renaissance MkV is darn good for the money. Kevin has no slouches in his Preamp lineup.
 
Dguitarnut said:
Take Mike with a grain of salt.....I believe he gets a discount on VAC! :P
I love my Vac Master preamp also. There again I think even the Renaissance MkV is darn good for the money. Kevin has no slouches in his Preamp lineup.
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I have a good dealer. [emoji6]


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I auditioned a VAC Master in my system before I added the Select II DAC. If you like natural warmth and a full midrange with tremendous body and finesse than this is your preamp. As musical as it gets.

Ken
 
If anyone wants a Signature SE for a steal, let me know. I am dying to move up higher in the VAC chain.

I auditioned a slew of preamps a couple years ago, and once I heard VAC I knew it was for me. So musical, so... right, to my ears.
 
To Dth31

I have almost the identical system you listed in your post.

I’m considering upgrading my VAC Signature SE to the Master or Statement.

I also have the Andromeda, the VAC Phi 200 Monoblocks (soon to be upgraded to 450’s) and Magico M3’s, plus nearly every one of SR Ted’s toys.

Is the Master way better?

Tube Guy
San Clemente, Ca
 
Hi Tube Guy. Just to be clear, I haven't heard the Signature SE preamp. I owned the Signature MkIIa preamp, and that is what I can compare the Master to. And "yes", the Master is WAY better than the Signature MkIIa.

I was very happy with the Signature MkIIa but accepted the offer from my dealer to hear the Master. Going from the Signature MkIIa to the Master was a HUGE improvement in virtually every way. Absolutely not subtle. Within literally seconds of listening to the Master, it was perfectly clear that the Master played on an entirely different field. As it should for the price difference. Given the resolving ability of your system, I would be very surprised if you disagreed after listening to it.
 
My Preamp was the MKIIa but I sent to to VAC and Kevin upgraded it to the SE.

Interesting how similar our systems are. Maybe we bought them from the same Audio deal?

I have the Aurender W20 Server and the Berkeley R3 DAC. You?
 
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