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There are no reviews on the VAC Signature 200 IQ and it has been at shows for a while now. Would have thought it would have got more press so wondering if any can comment on this particular amp. VAC in general (at least there recent products) have been described as more aggressive for a tube amp, almost more solid state rather than the more traditional hifi tube sound (more relaxed and rounded, midrange heavy). Not sure if that is accurate, but don't want to lose the musicality for the sake of realism/detail, which is the reason I prefer tubes to solid state. I am moving on from a Primaluna amp and the VAC has intrigued since it produces 100 watts and can fit a wider ranger of speaker applications. Any help on this amp?
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I hope to be reviewing one in the near future. We shall see.Micro Seiki SX-8000 table with flywheel, SME 3012R arm, SME 312S arm, Lyra Etna SL and Dynavector XV-1S cartridges, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 tape deck, Ampex 350 repros, Roon Nucleus Plus server, PS Audio DSJ DAC, ARC Ref 6 pre, ARC Ref 75 amp, Parasound JC5 amp, JBL 4345 speakers, and Def Tech Ref subs. -
I wrote about the VAC Signature 200 iQ amplifier used as a bi-amp and mono pair in my report on the Gauder Akustik Berlina RC 9 speaker.
The link to the review can be found here on Audio Nirvana: TAS: Gauder Akustik's Berlina RC 9 - Loudspeaker Equipment Report
The amplifiers are discussed on page 2 of the report you will go to from the link above to the TAS site. If you go there and take a moment to read the series of amplifiers used for the report, it should give you and idea of how the VACs sound driving the same speakers as the other amplifiers.
As a side note: They ( the VAC amps) carried the similar sound characteristics with my Vandersteen speakers. The choice of tube, as mentioned in my report will have an effect on the sound as well. There is enough variability with those tube choices that the amps will, most likely, play well for you.
Dre**************************************************
Every day is a good day to play analog.
- 12" 33-1/3 RPM and/or 45 RPM vinyl
- 15ips and/or 30ips reel-to-reel tape
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Every day is a good day for live music.
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Every day is a good day to listen to music.
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Industry Affiliation:
Senior Writer, The Absolute Sound
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Wonderful! Thanks Dre. I will definitely check out your report. The only thing I don't want to lose is the midrange tonal saturation/richness that you get with tubes. If I can tube roll and still get that with the VAC, it sounds like a winner. -
In fact, VAC amp's are known for their tube sound and midrange.
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**************************************************
Every day is a good day to play analog.
- 12" 33-1/3 RPM and/or 45 RPM vinyl
- 15ips and/or 30ips reel-to-reel tape
**************************************************
Every day is a good day for live music.
**************************************************
Every day is a good day to listen to music.
**************************************************
Industry Affiliation:
Senior Writer, The Absolute Sound
**************************************************Comment
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I just spoke with Kevin Hayes with VAC about the unit and some of his other products and he is a pleasure to speak with. I find myself gravitating toward manufacturers in the US - being able to pick up the phone and talk with them directly rather than working through distributors or dealers makes things so much easier for customers. VPI, Zesto, VAC, are just a couple of manufactures who have been a joy to work with in this hobby.Comment
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Kevin is great. I've been kicking myself for 10 years that I didn't pick up his line. Well, he's represented by one of my best audio buddies so that helps soothe things a lot.
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