I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phono

**Vintage_Tube** · November 18, 2023, 03:54 PM

Just back from a road trip to Sarasota with a pickup load of Kevin Hayes marvelous creations. I can't pinpoint the moment exactly but in 2017 I was swayed to go SS with some nice gear. As time went on, I began to realize I made a huge mistake & yearned for tubes. I was determined to rectify that misjudgment and accept the fact I erred.

The opportunity arose and confirmed an order for a pair of the massive 215-pound VAC 450iQ monos and a Master Preamp w/o the phono (I had a Renaissance SE Phono from a few years earlier).

So, after a 12-hour return trip and a good rest, it took the better part of the day to rebuild my racks, add the HRS M3X2-1921's, G7 Footers/G-Links/Conecoasters, add a few new Nordost Odin 2 digital AES/EBU cables from dCS Rossini Transport to APEX DAC, straighten out & reroute/secure cabling, etc., without BREAKING ANYTHING.

Anyways, this is the end result:

Best to all,

Bob

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**MichaelsMinute** · November 18, 2023, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by Vintage_Tube

Just back from a road trip to Sarasota with a pickup load of Kevin Hayes marvelous creations. I can't pinpoint the moment exactly but in 2017 I was swayed to go SS with some nice gear. As time went on, I began to realize I made a huge mistake & yearned for tubes. I was determined to rectify that misjudgment and accept the fact I erred.

The opportunity arose and confirmed an order for a pair of the massive 215-pound VAC 450iQ monos and a Master Preamp w/o the phono (I had a Renaissance SE Phono from a few years earlier).

So, after a 12-hour return trip and a good rest, it took the better part of the day to rebuild my racks, add the HRS M3X2-1921's, G7 Footers/G-Links/Conecoasters, add a few new Nordost Odin 2 digital AES/EBU cables from dCS Rossini Transport to APEX DAC, straighten out & reroute/secure cabling, etc., without BREAKING ANYTHING.

Anyways, this is the end result:

Best to all,

Bob

IMG_2784.jpg

IMG_2825.jpg

IMG_2826.jpg

IMG_2831.jpg

IMG_2787.jpg

IMG_2790.jpg

Congrats and that looks super nice!

I agree with you. I went from tube to SS and now back to tube.

**Vintage_Tube** · November 18, 2023, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

Congrats and that looks super nice!

I agree with you. I went from tube to SS and now back to tube.

Thank you Sir.

Forgot to add the 12v triggered hour counter I made to track tube hours -- I've since relocated it to the rear of the rack (out of sight so to speak).

Best to all,

Bob

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**Mikado463** · November 18, 2023, 05:14 PM

Nice looking 'space heaters' you've got there Bob, Congrats !

**mxk116** · November 18, 2023, 05:17 PM

Fantastic rig, Bob, that’s a labor of love.

Enjoy

**Mr Peabody** · November 18, 2023, 05:48 PM

Nice set up

**W9TR** · November 18, 2023, 07:59 PM

Looking great Bob. Glad you turned away from the dark side.

**Gene15352** · November 18, 2023, 09:19 PM

Beautiful system! Well thought out with synergy in mind.
Gene

**Bones13** · November 18, 2023, 11:08 PM

Very nice system.

As a 64 year old male, growing up with my dad's McIntosh system (MC60s + DIY Klipschorns) I find that I need a bit of tubes in my gear too.

Enjoy.

**Vintage_Tube** · November 18, 2023, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by Mikado463

Nice looking 'space heaters' you've got there Bob, Congrats !

Thanks Dave – having lived with MC2301’s for 11 years or so – they didn’t distribute or get very hot; more like luke warm IIRC. These VAC’s do get warmer (same number of KT88’s) – not frying egg hot, but if you are craving a bit of warmth from chills – just stand over these puppies – the chill will fade in a minute or two.

Originally Posted by mxk116

Fantastic rig, Bob, that’s a labor of love. Enjoy

It sure is and reiterated over my latest transformation.

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

Nice set up

Thank you Sir,
Bob

Originally Posted by W9TR

Looking great Bob. Glad you turned away from the dark side.

Hi Tom – long time my friend; it only took a few years for me to wake up & see the light. Sometimes it takes me awhile to get up to speed.

Originally Posted by Gene15352

Beautiful system! Well thought out with synergy in mind.
Gene

I have a good 20 year rapport with my dealer – he’s a invaluable asset and dear friend.
Best Sir,
Bob

Originally Posted by Bones13

Very nice system.

As a 64 year old male, growing up with my dad's McIntosh system (MC60s + DIY Klipschorns) I find that I need a bit of tubes in my gear too. Enjoy.

Never owned 60’s but did own 30’s w/a MX-110 & Forte II’s. A glorious system so I can only imagine 60’s and those Klipschorns (I almost bought a pair at Mainz-Kastel Army Audio Outlet in Germany – 3 floors of audio gear run by AAFES – the PX. The good 'ole days).

Best to all & thank you for your comments,

Bob

**gadawg** · November 19, 2023, 12:36 AM

Congrats on an incredible system!

George

**Vintage_Tube** · November 19, 2023, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by gadawg

Congrats on an incredible system! George

Thank you, Sir -- music & this hobby is, can I say, fun again. It's like I have a whole new media collection waiting to be played.

Best to you,

Bob

**Scotty** · November 19, 2023, 04:26 PM

Beautiful VAC system there Bob - liked the reference to "Kevin Haye's marvelous creations" - totally agree.

**Dizzie** · November 19, 2023, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by Vintage_Tube

Thank you Sir.

Forgot to add the 12v triggered hour counter I made to track tube hours -- I've since relocated it to the rear of the rack (out of sight so to speak).

Best to all,

Bob

IMG_2837.jpg

Bob,
I see you made a timer to track tube hours. I am getting new gear and think a tracker would be a good idea. Are there commercially made ones available?

Thanks for the pictures of your beautiful system. The picture of your truck en-route was worth 10,000 words.

**slowgeezr** · November 19, 2023, 08:22 PM

What a beautiful system! Congratulations!

**Vintage_Tube** · November 19, 2023, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by Dizzie

Bob,
I see you made a timer to track tube hours. I am getting new gear and think a tracker would be a good idea. Are there commercially made ones available?

Thanks for the pictures of your beautiful system. The picture of your truck en-route was worth 10,000 words.

Thanks Sir,

Not that I'm aware.

Bob

**gadawg** · November 20, 2023, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by Dizzie

Bob,
I see you made a timer to track tube hours. I am getting new gear and think a tracker would be a good idea. Are there commercially made ones available?

Thanks for the pictures of your beautiful system. The picture of your truck en-route was worth 10,000 words.

I found this and am going to order one to see how it works ... says stylus tracker but the same thing applies ...

StylusTimer

George

**Ritmo** · November 20, 2023, 08:17 AM

Sweet! Enjoy the music in good health Bob!

**Vintage_Tube** · November 20, 2023, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by Scotty

Beautiful VAC system there Bob - liked the reference to "Kevin Haye's marvelous creations" - totally agree.

Thank you, Sir, – he, like his Dad are true masters of tube designed audio components. I consider it a privilege to know such a person.

Originally Posted by slowgeezr

What a beautiful system! Congratulations!

Thank you, Steve, – a long journey considering I started an interest at age 11 or so. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would mature to this degree.

Originally Posted by gadawg

I found this and am going to order one to see how it works ... says stylus tracker but the same thing applies ...
StylusTimer George

That’s cool beans George. I recently stayed in a Holiday Inn Express and was not aware of a battery powered timer. That’s why as a backup, I’m a AudioShark member.

Originally Posted by Ritmo

Sweet! Enjoy the music in good health Bob!

Thank you Mike – that’s the key – enjoy it without interference from health matters.

Best to all,

Bob

**crwilli** · November 20, 2023, 01:24 PM

Congrats Bob! Fantastic gear you added.

**Vintage_Tube** · November 20, 2023, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by crwilli

Congrats Bob! Fantastic gear you added.

Thanks Craig -- a long road traveled as you probably remember.

Best Sir,

Bob

**Fer1000** · November 21, 2023, 07:41 AM

Terrific set up..!!! Congratulations and welcome back to tubes........

**Vintage_Tube** · November 21, 2023, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Fer1000

Terrific set up..!!! Congratulations and welcome back to tubes........

Yes Sir & thank you. It's a wonderful feeling.

Best to you,

Bob

**Nikhil** · November 23, 2023, 09:36 PM

Superb setup Bob! Very well done.

.

**MichaelsMinute** · November 25, 2023, 10:25 AM

I was listening last night. And I have to reiterate with your post that is great to be back to tubes after being with solid state.

**Vintage_Tube** · November 25, 2023, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Nikhil

Superb setup Bob! Very well done.

Thank you Sir. After 55+ years in this “hobby,” my learning is starting to show.

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

I was listening last night. And I have to reiterate with your post that is great to be back to tubes after being with solid state.

Strange to say, but I feel completely different inside –it’s like a rebirth. (Did I just say that? -- OH MY).

Best to all,

Bob

**MichaelsMinute** · November 25, 2023, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by Vintage_Tube

Strange to say, but I feel completely different inside –it’s like a rebirth. (Did I just say that? -- OH MY).

Plus, the best part of tube amps is trying different tubes!

Thread: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phono

I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phono

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

Re: I've returned from SS doldrums & fully back to my roots -- VAC 450iQ's monos & Master Pre & Renaissance SE Phon

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