New VAC Products Debuted at CAF

**Dizzie** · November 18, 2023, 05:04 PM

New amplifier: 202iQ stereo power amp ($22k) 110wpc stereo or 220 mono

An entry level (gateway drug

) Essence Series is in the written TAS report and Day 2 audio report.

VAC starts just after minute 14:
Capital Audio Fest 2023 | Day 2 Show Report - The Absolute Sound

I would be interested in the 202iQ amp but it probably exceeds my maximum allowed weight like the Signature 200iQ does (100 lbs).

**Vintage_Tube** · November 18, 2023, 11:13 PM

When I walked into VAC on Tuesday (Kevin returned from CAF on Monday), I asked how the show was -- and that I saw a still photo of his 300iQ monos - 4 of 'em pushing his preferred speakers - Von Schweikert's. He said no, that is our new 202iQ. I didn't see any during my visits at HQ, so I'm assuming they were being shipped back to HQ from CAF but I would have loved to hear them.

Those amps will keep his small staff busy.

Best Sirs,

Bob

**Scotty** · November 20, 2023, 08:02 PM

I'm running the VAC Master 300 in stereo - now I am wondering how a mono pair of the 202's would compare for the same approximate price.........guess I will never know, : (

**Mike** · November 20, 2023, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by Scotty

I'm running the VAC Master 300 in stereo - now I am wondering how a mono pair of the 202's would compare for the same approximate price.........guess I will never know, : (

Better to stick with the 300 or save for another 300.

The 202 is basically the 200iQ with new cosmetics.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

**Dizzie** · November 20, 2023, 09:17 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Better to stick with the 300 or save for another 300.

The 202 is basically the 200iQ with new cosmetics.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

That is not what Kevin Hayes says around minute 16:

Capital Audio Fest 2023 | Day 2 Show Report - The Absolute Sound

**Vintage_Tube** · November 20, 2023, 10:33 PM

A review quote -- not trying to stoke any fires

-- "Just the facts, ma'am" (or Sir),

"VAC loves CAF, and as is its wont, used the occasion to inaugurate several products. First and foremost was the 202iQ stereo power amp ($22k). The baby brother of the more powerful (and more expensive, at $42k) 300iQ, the new model delivers 100Wpc; it can also be configured as a 200-watt monoblock. According to VAC’s Kevin Hayes, the two sound “like peas in a pod.” In the VAC room, four 202iQ’s running in mono mode were bi-amping a pair of svelte Von Schweickert Endeavor Special Editions ($27k). The combo proved up to the challenge of filling the huge room, evoking a large, fulsome soundstage. Dynamics and detail were nothing to sneeze at, either."

Best Sir,

Bob

**Mike** · November 21, 2023, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by Dizzie

That is not what Kevin Hayes says around minute 16:

Capital Audio Fest 2023 | Day 2 Show Report - The Absolute Sound

I didn’t hear anything in particular. Glad you guys love the styling. It’s a carry over from the Master 300 which I designed.

The Master 300’s are my favorite tube amps (if I’m allowed to say that without too much fussing!)

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

**Dizzie** · November 21, 2023, 11:59 AM

I am sure Kevin felt pretty new clothes deserved a new body. Trickle down from the higher end amps makes sense and follows VAC (and many other companies) traditional philosophy.

**MichaelsMinute** · November 23, 2023, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I didn’t hear anything in particular. Glad you guys love the styling. It’s a carry over from the Master 300 which I designed.

The Master 300’s are my favorite tube amps (if I’m allowed to say that without too much fussing!)

You did great, Mike! Beautiful styling for sure.

My "when I win the lottery amp" is the Statement 452 iQ Musicbloc Integrated Amplifier for sure.

Thread: New VAC Products Debuted at CAF

Thread Tools

Display