The VAC Avatar Super
It's easy to see why integrated amplifiers have become
one of audio's fastest-growing product categories: combining pre- and
power amplifiers on a single chassis offers dramatic savings in both
size and cost. More importantly, by controlling the interface between
the two components and eliminating the need for interconnects, significant
sonic advantages can accrue via the integrated approach if it is done
properly.
The original Avatar integrated, introduced by VAC in 1998,
was perhaps the first modern integrated designed with care and passion.
It immediately caught the ear imagination of dealers everywhere, and
was hailed by Stereophile magazine as the "Rolls-Royce" of
integrated amplifiers.
Truly, VAC Avatar Super offers a level of performance without
compromised when compared to separates costing far more. Offering a level
of quality and performance previously unattainable at its price, Avatar
Super is, quite simply, the finest integrated amplifier of moderate price
ever made. It might be exactly what you need for superior sound in a
reliable, elegant, and affordable package!
Note: Due to the extensive scope of the new circuits
and chassis changes, it is not possible to upgrade the original
Avatar or Avatar Special Edition to the performance of the new Avatar
Super.
Features
- all new 80 watt/channel Beam Power amplifier, using the legendary
KT88 tube and Renaissance-style triode input circuitry
- output matching taps for speakers of 2, 4, and 8 ohm nominal impedance
- new VAC Beam Power Sentry instantly limits current to any KT88 operating
outside of its designed range, thus protecting the amplifier and allowing
continued operation until the tube is replaced
- all new double choke-based pi power supply provides more punch and
detail while lowering the noise floor to less that 0.4 millivolts at
the speaker terminals (typical)
- new triode line stage with preamp/subwoofer outputs
- new triode MM phono stage derived from the VAC Signature Preamplifier
- VAC Renaissance-grade parts throughout
- VAC Cinema Bypass/power amp direct inputs
- standard remote control
- four line inputs and tape monitor support the most elaborate systems
- ergonomic front panel controls and a softly lit analog bias meter
- sculpted 3/8" aluminum fascia finished in hand rubbed silver
metallic lacquer
- gold plated aluminum knobs
- typical 8,000 hour tube life
- optional VAC Divinyl external MC step up device for cartridges with
0.2 mv output or greater
- three year transferrable warranty (tubes excluded)
- dimensions: 17.5 inches wide, 8 inches high, 15.3 inches deep (+
knobs & connectors)
Mark
Levinson 326S Baby version of the Ref 32 Pre-amp at a reasonable
cost of £6,995. Like most technologies the benefits of
the research for the reference products trickle down into more
affordable products like the 326s Pre-amp. You get alot of the
quality of its bigger brother, providing a jump in the quality
available at this price. |
Ayre Acoustics C-5xe
Universal Disk Player Stereophile Extract: "It ought
to be fairly obvious that I found the Ayre C-5xe more than satisfactory.
I didn't expect it to disappoint, but I was unprepared for just
how much it delighted me. I've heard a lot of impressive audio
components over the years, but I've heard very few that afforded
me greater musical pleasure or sent me on as many voyages of
musical discovery through discs I thought I knew well." - Wes
Phillips, July, 2005 |
Gryphon
Diablo The ultimate reference integrated amplifier at £6100.
The Gryphon sonic magic in a reasonable sized and georgeous case,
you must hear this as it puts most pre power combo's to shame,
pure music at its best. |
Brinkmann
LaGrange turntableThe Brinkmann LaGrange turntable is without
a doubt the best source component I have ever had the chance
to enjoy over an extended period of time. It represents a level
of perfection and emotional connection to music that I have never
heard before. - Danny Kaey extract from Positive Feedback |
Teac Esoteric DV-50SThe
Esoteric DV-50 is the most fun you can have with digital music
playback short of the dCS trio reviewed
by Michael Fremer in April 2003 (Vol.26 No.4). Given that the
dCS gear costs about six times as much as the DV-50, the Esoteric
is a screaming bargain, especially considering its hyper-advanced
technology, bulletproof build, and exceptional sound. You can even
play movies on it. - Stereophile Extract |
ProAc D100 The
imposing new Response D100 takes on the mantle of flagship model
from our legendary Response Four, which has delighted discerning
audiophiles for the last twelve years.
The D100's produce stunning music, effortlessly. The enhanced sensitivity
extracts the tiniest detail from any recording without brightness
or exaggeration. Greater bandwidth creates a huge soundstage, drawing
in the listener and creating a concert hall experience, where the
loudspeakers seem to melt from the scene.. |
