Features
Approximate dimensions:
Audio chassis: 12.5" x 12.5 x " (W x D x H) plus knobs and connectors; shipping weight lbs.
Power supply: " x " x " (W x D x H); shipping weight lbs
The VAC Phi 2.0 Master Control Preamplifier
Once in a great while an audio component comes along that redefines our expectations of what is possible and, for the astute listener, necessary. VAC has had the privilege of being responsible for such breakthroughs twice in the past decade. Now, VAC again presents an order of magnitude improvement in both sound and functionality with the PHI Series.
One may be forgiven for focusing initially on the elegant aesthetics of the VAC PHI (pronounced "fi", as in "hi fi") components. The tubes are celebrated behind the edge-lit glass fascia and beveled glass top, which also keep children and pets at a safe distance from the tubes. With minute attention to detail, illumination is controlled in response to ambient light levels. The chassis itself, with its sweeping corners and contours, is precision milled from the highest quality non-magnetic aluminum. Truly, the PHI Series is a work of visual art.
The PHI sound builds on the heritage of the legendary VAC Renaissance and Signature Series, with further improvements in materials, circuit refinement, layout, power supply design, and optimization. It is the culmination of several thousands of hours of careful voicing. This fanatical devotion to detail is the crucial factor in transcending mere "high fidelity"; with VAC Phi components you hear all of the "hi-fi" attributes, but in a way totally subservient to the feel and emotion of the music. After all, that is what music is all about.
Sound and appearance are just the beginning of PHI's magic. Balanced inputs & outputs are standard. PHI components can communicate with each other via the iVAC data buss, which manages system power and coordinates illumination levels. 12 volt power triggers are provided for use with other brands of amplifiers. PHI provides numerous remote control functions and system configuration settings, allowing convenience in normal use and easy integration into elaborate systems.
The PHI 2.0 Master Control Preamplifier is a further refinement of the VAC Signature Mk II Preamplifier. It shares the same extraordinary basic circuit topology, pure differential zero-feedback Class A1 triode tube, capable of driving loads of only a few hundred ohms. The separate external power supply, equipped with a six foot cable, allows AC electrostatic, magnetic, and vibrational fields to be kept far away from the delicate audio signal. The state-of-the-art MM/MC phono stage is also all tube using Class A1 high-mu triodes, and precisely derives the RIAA equalization curve through passive means. Full remote control is provided. Each line input may be assigned as volume-controlled or as fixed level, allowing easy integration in multi-channel systems or for allowing certain source components to set their own levels.
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