Thread: Phono stage- VAC Sig Mk IIa
-
November 3, 2019, 08:01 AM #1
- Join Date
- May 2019
- Location
- Malaysia
- Posts
- 155
Phono stage- VAC Sig Mk IIa
Hi, writing to find out how does the internal phono stage for the VAC Sig really fare against outboard phono preamps.
Planning on sending the preamp to get the phono stage fitted at some point next year.
Great to have some thoughts. Thanks.
Regards
Bob
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkTurntable: 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
-
November 3, 2019, 11:22 AM #2
Re: Phono stage- VAC Sig Mk IIa
Bob - the internal Phonostage in the Sig II is excellent. Unless you have 100+db efficient speakers, it’s quiet and sounds great. I asked Kevin how it compares to the Ren V SE external and he thought the external was indeed a bit better.
My two cents: if you’re sticking primarily with one table/one arm and vinyl is one of your sources and not strictly your only source, the internal phono should fit the bill nicely.
If you’re going to expand to multiple tables/arms, and want more flexibility and have the shelf space, than go with the Ren V SE.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"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.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
November 5, 2019, 10:00 AM #3
- Join Date
- May 2019
- Location
- Malaysia
- Posts
- 155
Re: Phono stage- VAC Sig Mk IIa
Thanks for the reply Mike. I was considering of the Boulder 508 phonostage after selling the ASR Basis Exclusive but seems like that can wait.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkTurntable: 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
-
November 5, 2019, 12:35 PM #4
- Join Date
- Nov 2014
- Posts
- 227
Re: Phono stage- VAC Sig Mk IIa
I had a Renaissance III with built-in MC phono. I seriously regretted selling it (to recoup funds) when I moved down to a Rogue Ares Magnum. I finally trialed a Ren V stand-alone stage and ended up buying the SE version. Night-and-day better again, of course. Night and day. The SE version gets you more neutral and more detail, but the non-SE version Ren V was totally awesome too. My Ren V SE also easily crushes the Herron VTPH-2A (got that for a 2nd system but now wish I had another VAC). I think the Sig IIa's built-in is going to be a lot closer to the Ren V SE stand-alone than the Ren III's built-in - given 6 tubes versus 3, plus other improvements.
One note is that though I think the VAC tube MM stages are magic, their choice of Lundahl MC step-ups might not be 100% ideal for your preferences and/or cartridge. Other SUTs can give a warmer, meatier sound. I use and prefer a Koetsu SUT with my Koetsus into the Ren V's MM mode. The Lundahl LL1931 gives a more crystalline, fast, detailed sound.
I think you're in good hands with a VAC phono stage.
-
November 5, 2019, 03:09 PM #5
- Join Date
- Jan 2016
- Location
- Solana Beach, CA
- Posts
- 199
Re: Phono stage- VAC Sig Mk IIa
I think this description is spot-on. The Lundahl SUTs in my VAC Master are not my cup of tea. I much preferred using a Bob’s Cinemag SUT into the MM input instead of the MC input. Dynamics with the Bob’s are crazy. Sound is warmer, richer and more liquid which appeals to me although it could be too much of a good thing for others.
Analog source: AMG Viella 12; Ortofon Anna cartridge, van den Hul Crimson Stradivarius XGW
Digital source: Totaldac d1-twelve Mk2 DAC, Totaldac d1-player, Totaldac d1-streamer, Totaldac Live Power supply
Pre amp: VAC Master with phono
Phonostage: Constellation Andromeda
Amps: VAC 200iQ monoblocks
Speakers: Magico M3 with MPods
Cables: Synergistic Research Galileo SX speaker, phono, analog and digital interconnects
Power products: Synergistic Research Galileo PowerCell SX and Transporter Ultra. Galileo SX and SRX power cords. Keces P3 LPS for cable modem and router.
-
November 5, 2019, 03:48 PM #6
- Join Date
- Nov 2014
- Posts
- 227
Re: Phono stage- VAC Sig Mk IIa
Yep, I also have a Bob's Devices Sky 20 and enjoy it a lot! They're great SUT's that work well with a very wide range of cartridges, and the sound is exactly as you describe. Some folks swear by those amorphous core Lundahls (including Kevin H.), but I just can't get into them. I'd easily prefer a non-SE Ren V with outboard Sky 20, over using the Ren V SE with its stock built-in Lundahl SUT (being frank I think I'd be almost as happy with the non-SE Ren V overall, though the SE is more detailed).
Thinking about this more - there's something in the top-end response of that Lundahl LL 1931 that bugs my ears after a little while. To be honest it's probably the main thing that keeps driving me back to the other SUT's I have on hand - Koetsu SUT, Sky 20, Sky 40, Hashimoto HM-7, EAR MC-3. The downside to my SUT box collection is that the cable from SUT box to phono stage is incredibly crucial and sensitive. The wrong cable here can easily make a good SUT box sound bad. The built-in Lundahls actually have the big no-cables advantage on this front, but still lose out once you get good cables. My cartridges are Koetsu stone bodies and the Shelter Accord and Harmony.
I've heard some say the silver wire version Lundahl (LL 1931Ag) is much better, much smoother, but when I asked Kevin of VAC about it, he said they specifically chose the copper wire version for its sound. These phono pairings are simply very specific to your cartridge and preferences! And active MC stages may be much more versatile for handling a diverse collection of cartridges, but when you nail a SUT/cart pairing, it's hard to beat that sound.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
Congratulations Sean! Enjoy the music and system in good health!
Delivery Day