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VAC Master Preamplifier
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VAC Master Preamplifier
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.
MSRP: $27,000
SPECIFICATIONS
Gain | 11 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 kHz |
THD | <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 integrity |
Cinema 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 Technical Specifications
Tubes | 6x 12AX7 |
Gain | 44 dB MM 68 dB MC |
Frequency Response | RIAA standard +/- 0.2 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz) -3 dB bandwidth 10 Hz - • 80 kHz |
Channel Separation | > 80 dB @ 1 kHz |
Maximum Input | > 130 mv @ 1 kHz, MM > 13 mv, MC |
MC 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) |
*Specifications subject to change without notice.