The design of the all-new VAC Master Preamplifier takes the essential developments from the cost-no-object Statement pre-amplifiers and presents them in their most elemental, effective forms. If the Statement products might be likened to Formula 1 race cars, the Master Preamplifier is the derivative ultra performance road-going sports car.
As in the Statement Line Stage, the volume control is a massive custom-made, multisection, 2.2 kg brass volume control with internal brass shielding. Remote-control capability is implemented via a VAC-designed motor drive system, which allows continuous control of infinite resolution. All of the hand-wired Class A1 audio circuits are carried on machined, mass-loading plates, which are decoupled from the main chassis. This projects solidity in detail and imaging while reducing microphony to infinitesimal levels. You’ll find the “naked” z-foil resistors and premium transformers from the Statement Line Stage. When the Master Preamplifier is equipped with the internal phono option, a separate, dedicated power transformer and DC umbilical cable is added to the power supply, ensuring complete isolation between it and the line section. In essence, it is an external phono stage that just happens to share the chassis, which, in turn, allows a superior control over the ground signal reference that is crucial to conveying signal detail. You’ll also find the same premium resistors and exotic capacitors employed in the Statement Phono Stage. The VAC Master Preamplifier outperforms every other preamplifier, with the exception of the VAC Statement models that inspired it.Specs:
Gain: 12 dB
Inputs:
3 sets RCA line input 2 sets balanced/RCA selectable inputs 1 set balanced/RCA cinema bypass input Optional 1 MM and 1 MC (or additional line input if phono is not fitted)Outputs:
2 sets RCA 2 sets balanced XLR (EIA “pin 2 hot” studio standard)Tubes: 2x 8416, 7308, 6922, E88CC, ECC88, 6DJ8, (or 12DJ8 twin triodes)
Absolute Phase: correct from all inputs to all outputs
Frequency Response:
Flat over audio band –3 dB bandwidth 5 Hz – 210 kHzTHD: <0.009% @ 1 kHz, 1 V RMS
Maximum Output: < 8 V RMS
Output Impedance: > 150 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, static (i.e., not dependent upon feedback)
Maximum Input: Infinite signal (attenuation precedes the gain circuitry)
Recommended Output Load: > 300 ohms
Power:
External power supply, detachable umbilical cable, detachable IEC power cord Unity gain from selector, non-inverting for archival integrityCinema Bypass: Yes
Voltage: May be factory configured for operation at 100, 120, 220, or 230/240 volts
Remote Control: Included
Illumination: Illuminated logo may be switched off
Finish:
Hand-rubbed gold-flake gloss black lacquer with chrome knobs standard. Hand-rubbed metallic gloss silver lacquer with chrome knobs special order with additional cost.Warranty: Two years parts and labor, excluding tubes (USA, see manual for full details)
Dimensions (H x W x D):
Audio chassis (not including knobs and connectors): 5.5″ x 18″ x 14.5″ (14 cm x 45.7 cm x 36.8 cm) Power supply (not including connectors): 4.3″ x 18″ x 14.5″ (10.9 cm x 45.7 cm x 36.8 cm)Shipping Weight: With phono: 75 lbs. (27.7 kg.)
Optional Phono Stage Specs:
Tubes: 6x 12AX7
Gain:
44 dB MM 64 dB MCFrequency Response:
RIAA standard +/- 0.2 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz) -3 dB bandwidth 10 Hz – • 80 kHzChannel Separation: > 80 dB @ 1 kHz
Maximum Input:
> 130 mv @ 1 kHz, MM > 13 mv, MCMC Load Impedance: selectable, 470, 300, 250, 200, 150, and 100 ohms
MM Load Impedance: selectable, 47k, 30k, 25k, 15k, and 10k ohms
Overload: 117MV @ 1kHz = 8 volts RMS output; 460MV @ 10kHz
Residual Noise: Less than 3MV at output (s/n ratio greater than approx. 69db)
MSRP: $40,000 — Master Line Stage w/ Master MM/MC phono
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