VAC Statement 455 iQ Musicbloc

Dual Mono Amplifier

The Statement 455 iQ provides more than startling sonic realism; it also provides greater flexibility in application and system matching. It does this in three ways.

First, the 455 accepts inputs in both fully balanced and single-ended formats. A switch on the back panel causes the circuits in eight locations to be configured to handle the input in the optimal way that would be present if that were the amplifier’s only input mode. In the balanced mode, the circuit is fully balanced from the input connectors to the loudspeaker terminals.

Second, the 455 is a Musicbloc™ that may be operated as a dual-mono amplifier (channels completely separate all the way through the power supplies) of 230 watts/channel, or switched to a single mono mode producing 460 watts. This feature allows you to start with a single amplifier and add a second one later, and if you have two you can explore biamplifying compatible speakers.

Third, switch settings allow the amplifier to matched optimally to a wide range of speakers from 2 to 16 ohm nominal impedance. This allows the greatest power delivery and sound quality.

The mechanical architecture ensures that external vibration will not have a deleterious effect on the sound. This begins with the new VAC designed isolation feet on the power supply, and most visibly extends to the controlled decoupling between the chassis via the VAC designed three point ball and cap assemblies, which dissipate lateral energy inputs. In addition, the four massive power transformers, weighing some 56 lbs., are encased in compliant materials that absorb magnetostriction vibration.

Parts quality is, as you would expect, of the highest quality. The output transformers are a VAC design, with 22 sections and multifiler windings, utilized in accordance with VAC’s VHSP (Very High Speed Parallel) processing methods. Audio capacitors are custom made, and resistors include the highest grade metal film and wirewound types. Internal wiring is high purity silver and copper.

For its output stage, the Statement 455 iQ uses the legendary Gold Lion KT88 beam power tube in our unique take on ultra-linear operation. The KT88 is preferred over the recent KT120, KT150, and KT170 for having wider bandwidth, lower stray capacitance, lower residual gas current, less distortion, and equal power output in its operating configuration. In addition, you are not limited to a single tube factory, making it easier to retube the 455 over the coming decades.

VAC’s patented iQ Continuous Automatic Bias System keeps each of the eight output tubes in optimal operating adjustment for more realism, lower noise, and minimum distortion. It also lets you know when one should be replaced, and protects the amplifier in the event of a failure.

The input and driver tubes are the highly linear 6SN7GTB octal twin triode from TungSol, direct coupled, operating in pure Class A1 .

All of this science and art combines for one result: to bring the wealth of recorded music back with the greatest possible breath of life, to preserve and present the essence of the performance, to allow the artist to connect with you, today, now, right where you are, with a vivid, lifelike sound that practically leaps from the loudspeakers.

All VAC instruments are meticulously handcrafted in the United States for heirloom quality. Ask your dealer for an audition today.