The VAC Phi Kappa Integrated Amplifier
The VAC Phi Kappa integrated amplifier is similar to the
Phi Beta (pictured), except that it incorporates a self-biasing Class
A1 300B ultriode output amplifier, making it a pure Class A1 all triode
amplifier.
The VAC Phi Beta and Phi Kappa are, quite simply, the finest
audio amplification solutions available, bar none. By combining the heritage
of the Phi separate components with the inherent possible advantages
of the integrated embodiment, an entirely new level of performance has
be attained. With the VAC 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.
The single greatest advantage of the integrated form is
the fact that all of the amplification stages, both pre- and power, can
refer to a single, tight ground reference. This provides a reference
point for the signal that is unsurpassed. In essence, it is the strongest,
most elegant foundation possible. Properly implemented, as in the Phi
Kappa, the resulting sonic purity, dynamics, and detail are absolutely
astounding.
The one major drawback to integrated amplifiers of the
past has been due to radiated noise fields from the power supply. To
overcome this, the Phi Kappa utilizes a massive external power supply
that may be located as much as six feet from the audio chassis. Of course,
final power reservoirs and ground references are located in the audio
chassis.
Of course, the integrated design allows complete control
of the interface between the two components. This eliminates one set
of interconnect cables and spares the audio signal from another trip
through the outside world, which sidesteps an opportunity for RFI and
EMI pickup.
Internally, the Phi Kappa incorporates the superb and quiet
MM/MC phono stage of the Phi 2.0 Master Control amplifier, an all-new
line stage with balanced inputs and outputs, and a potent power amplifier
derived from the Phi 30/30 power amplifier.
All of the Phi user interface and remote control features
are present. These include:
- Remote control of power, input selector, tape monitor, cinema input,
mute, and volume
- All controls are duplicated on the front panel with simple, direct
acting switches
- All line inputs may be assigned as volume-controllable, or as fixed-gain
inputs for sources with their own level controls
- Can communicate with other Phi components via the iVAC data buss
- 12 volt triggers allow control of other brands of ancillary equipment
With preamplifier outputs (balanced and RCA) and switchable
power amplifier direct inputs, it is easy to use external crossovers
and/or biamplify with the Phi Kappa.
Features
- Intensity of illuminated VAC logo varies with ambient room light
level
- Audio chassis is machined from aircraft aluminum
- Output tubes continuously monitored by VAC 300B Sentry circuit, which
alerts you when a tube should be replaced and shuts the amplifier off
if an output tube fails
- 32 watt/channel of pure triode power into 2, 4, or 8 ohm speakers
- double choke power filtering
- complete regulation of all heater and 'housekeeping' circuits
- typical 8,000 hour average tube life
- three year transferrable warranty (tubes 90 days)
The most important feature, of course, is the sound quality.
It is the result of VAC's relentless attention to detail and thousands
of hours of "voicing". Once heard, it will redefine your expectation
of what is possible and, thereafter, necessary.
Approximate dimensions:
Audio chassis: 17.7" x 17" x 10.2" (W
x D x H) plus knobs and connectors; shipping weight 105 lbs.
Power supply: 9.2" x 14.5" x 9" (W x D x
H); shipping weight 42 lbs.
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.. |
