Vac Standard Preamplifier LE
At its introduction in the summer of 1999, the Standard
Preamplifier became VAC's hottest selling component. When
the introduction of the ultra-high-end Renaissance Signature Preamplifier
was still several months away, one of the world's most influential
audio dealers felt the need for an "interim" flagship model,
a preamplifier selling for under $5,000 but capable of blowing
away anything under $10,000. Enter the "hot rod" Standard
Preamplifier LE.
Basically, the Standard LE is the original Standard, but
fitted with Renaissance-grade parts and remote control. It's the best
thing going under five figures!
For multichannel systems users, there is also the VAC
Standard 6.0 Preamplifier.
VAC Standard Preamplifier LE Specifications
- Type: Remote controlled Class A all Triode Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
with separate power supply and Cinema (home theater) pass-through.
Options:
- Class A all Triode Vacuum Tube MM Phono stage
- MC Phono step-up (wideband transformer coupled)
Line stage preamplifier:
- Gain: 24 dB
- Maximum input signal: Infinite (attenuation precedes the gain circuitry)
- THD: Approx. .04%
- Output impedance: 350 ohms; main output inverts absolute phase from
all sources
- Tape output: Unity gain from selector, non-inverting
- Cinema pass-through: Non-inverting, no gain, does not compromise
the sound quality of normal stereo operation. May also be used for
input of stereo source components with their own level controls (dacs,
etc.).
MM Phono stage (option):
- Class A Triode Vacuum Tube
- Gain: 37 db (measured at tape output)
- Residual noise: 3 mv at output (S/N ratio approx. 69 db)
- Overload: 117 mv @ 1 kHz = 8 volts RMS output; 460 mv @ 10 kHz
- Frequency response: RIAA +/- .25 dB Notes:
- Does not invert absolute phase. This means the output at the tape
jacks is non-inverted; the output through the line stage is inverted,
just as with line level sources.
MC Step-up (option):
- Special ultra-wideband transformers
- 20 db gain
- works in conjunction with the MM Phono option.
Tube complement:
- 2 x 12AX7 low noise (MM phono option)
- 2 x 12AX7 (line stage)
- 2 x 12AU7/6189A (line stage)
Other:
- Dimensions: (main chassis) 18 inches wide, 4 inches high, 15.3 inches
deep (+ knobs & connectors)
- Dimensions: (power supply)
- Shipping weight: 40 pounds approx.
- Machined 3/8" aluminum faceplate, custom machined knobs, extensively
braced chassis
- Three years parts and labor warranty, excluding tubes.
- Specifications subject to change and improvement without notice
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.. |
