STATUS - SOLD
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Description :
The culmination of eight years research and development, the VAC Signature mk2 is one of VAC's finest preamplifier. Through its principal outputs, it contains no coupling capacitors from input to output. No coupling capacitor hinders the purity and detail developed by the hand-wired direct-coupled Class A1 triode tubes. Additionally, no loop negative feedback is used; the output interface is completely stable and free from dynamic interactions with the load. In addition to five standard line inputs (four when phono is fitted), a fully balanced input is provided. Fully balanced outputs are present, as are dual standard RCA outputs. Balancing is achieved by differential triodes driving a special output transformer. The VAC Signature mk2's design ensures a true balanced signal, capable of driving even the most cruel professional studio equipment, something impossible with cathode followers and totem circuits. In addition, the transformer output may be used with unbalanced loads. In this manner, galvanic loops and interaction between source and power amplifier feedback loops are eliminated, allowing for the most liquid, dimensional sound.
The line stage also offers a fully buffered tape loop and VAC's Cinema Bypass mode, which allows the high-end stereo system to integrate seamlessly with home theater. The Cinema Bypass input in the VAC Signature mk2 is a fixed gain input that allows the source component to control volume, and passes this signal through to the stereo power amplifiers without further processing. It allows a cost-no-object stereo system to integrate seamlessly into a home theater context when needed, without any degradation of two channel performance from traditional stereo sources. The Cinema Bypass input may also be used with stereo components that have their own level control, such as d/a converters. The optional phono stage is a zero-feedback design incorporating six low noise triode tubes. Sensitive and quiet, the VAC Signature mk2 is capable of handling even low output moving coil cartridges. A rear panel switch allows engagement of wideband transformers to provide a proper and balanced load to low output pickups. Electrostatic decoupling prevents the heater circuits from "talking" to each other, a common cause of lost detail. Indeed, a completely separate power transformer and filter circuitry are dedicated to the phono stage, eliminating any disturbance of the delicate phono signal by the powerful line stage. Variable load switching is provided. Internal parts are specified from the finest and most exotic materials, as extreme measures and the most careful "voicing" are required to reach this unequaled pinnacle of perfection.
The transparency of the VAC Signature mk2 was stunning, as clear to the ear as crystal is to the eye. On good audio systems the clues as to the size of the space become much more discernible. The preamplifier plays a critical role in the creation of the sense of fullness to instruments and expansiveness to the venue. It pushes out the soundstage well beyond the vicinity of the instrument. Notes are luminescent, plump with full expression of the physical excitement of a reed or string, and dead on tonally. The very limits of the space are explored intimately. On the VAC the xylophone notes contain reverberation and one can actually hear the woody decay of the note. The Signature 2 entwines but does not lose harmonica notes as the performers puff into the tiny portals of the instrument while whipping it back and forth across their lips. In all this, there is no harshness with the harmonica, no edge, no biting shrillness; there is an exceptional amount of glam, without a trace of glare. The VAC Signature mk2 is world-class in terms of shaping the music without distorting the music, and is suitable for the most exquisite of audio systems.
Specifications :
Type................................................Two channel balanced vacuum tube preamplifier with
................................................external power supply and optional phono stage.
Inputs..............................................3 x RCA line inputs
..............................................2 x XLR balanced/RCA selectable inputs
..............................................1 x MM/MC phono (or additional line input)
..............................................1 x RCA tape monitor input
..............................................1 x RCA cinema bypass input
Outputs...........................................2 x RCA main
............................................2 x balanced XLR (EIA "pin 2 hot" studio standard) main
............................................1 x RCA tape output
............................................Optional MM/MC phono stage with user adjustable loading
Absolute Phase................................Correct from all inputs to all outputs
Line stage
Gain................................................12dB
Frequency Response........................Flat over audio band
........................-3dB bandwidth, 5Hz to 210kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion..................<0.009% at 1kHz, 1V RMS
Maximum Output.............................>8V RMS
Output Impedance............................<150 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, static
.............................(can supply high current, i.e., not dependent upon feedback)
Recommended Output Load..............>300 ohms
Channel Separation..........................>80dB at 1kHz
Phono Stage
Gain................................................44dB MM / 64dB MC selectable
MC Load Impedance Selectable........470, 300, 250, 200, 150, and 100 ohms
MM Load Impedance Selectable........47k, 30k, 25k, 15k, and 10k ohms
Frequency Response........................RIAA standard +/- 0.2dB (20Hz to 20kHz);
........................-3dB bandwidth 10Hz to 80kHz
Maximum Input................................>130mV at 1 kHz, MM; >13mV, MC
Channel Separation..........................>80dB at 1 kHz
General
Dimensions(w x d x h)......................46 x 37 x 14 cm (Main)
......................46 x 37 x 10 cm (Power Supply)
Weight............................................36.3kg (with phono)
............................................29.5kg (without phono)
Miscellaneous :
XLR Inputs.......................................Yes
XLR Outputs....................................Yes
Remote...........................................Yes
Made In...........................................USA
Condition.........................................9/10
Product Information :
http://www.vac-amps.com/rsigpre.htm (Manufacturer's Website)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valve_Amplification_Company
Reviews :
http://www.dagogo.com/View-Article.asp?hArticle=711
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1247747831&openfrom&1&4#1 (Short opinion) |