Statement Line Stage Pre Amp

Mechanical Design
The chassis is machined at VAC from high-grade, non-ferrous aluminum with superior RF rejection properties across a wide range of radio frequencies for greater resolution and subjectively blacker backgrounds. Similar care is taken around each of the six wideband audio transformers in each unit.

In addition to the five regular line inputs, three of which may be used with balanced sources, there is also a fixed volume input for use as a slave in a multichannel home theater system, or with other sources that control their own level. The “cinema” source may also be balanced or single ended.

Electrical Design
The audio chassis is designed with distinct isolated sections dedicated to certain signal functions to prevent unwanted interactions among the circuits. Interconnecting wires are carefully routed and directed by spaced machined nonmetallic guides. The hand-wired vacuum tube audio circuit assemblies are bonded to massive brass loading plates, which in turn are isolation mounted to the main chassis for a very effective filter at audio frequencies.

The avoidance of negative feedback and inclusion of input and output transformers confers the relatively unique trait of eliminating unwanted stray interactions between the source components and power amplifier, such as long chain interactions between their feedback loops which tend to coarsen the sound and flatten the sound stage.

Power Supply
A massive separate power supply is a dual mono design with substantial energy storage and high inherent regulation. Both resistive and inductive elements are used in concert with high-speed capacitor assemblies for the high voltage supplies, while active voltage stabilization is included in the four heater supplies and the 12-volt trigger supply.

Volume Control
The volume control is a massive one-pound multisection potentiometer some two inches long and nearly two inches in diameter, with machined brass shielding between the sections and against the outside world. This extraordinary part is critical in obtaining the highest fidelity in the world. A custom engineered VAC motor drive system allows the volume to be adjusted by remote control.

Reviews

Brochure

Specifications

Statement Phono Stage

The Statement 450 iQ power amplifier is the first in a series of VAC components featuring the new VAC iQ Intelligent Continuous Automatic Bias System (patented). The VAC iQ System builds on the unprecedented performance of the original Statement Series and takes it to a whole new level with a set of critical enhancements.

The VAC iQ System is the result of 18 years of research and development by the engineers at VAC, and represents the first time in history that each tube in the output stage of a vacuum tube amplifier can be held precisely at the optimal bias point (underlying true quiescent current) at all times, regardless of how loudly or softly the music is playing. The result is sound that is always the best it can be, reduced distortion and noise, longer tube life, elimination of gas current ‘run away’ tubes, and increased reliability, all without any effort by the user.

The VAC iQ System alerts you when a tube is growing weak or has failed. In short, tube drama is a thing of the past.

The Statement iQ power amp features improved output transformers (56 pounds per monoblock!) with smoother, more extended frequency response. Input signal handling has been changed to a more pure, direct connection. Various changes to the power supply and chassis materials compliment and support the iQ system and circuit refinements.

Download the VAC Statement 450 iQ brochure

Specifications

Statement 455 iQ Musicbloc™ Dual Mono Power Amplifier

The new Statement 455 iQ Musicbloc™ is the latest development in our series of cost-no-object tour de force instruments for music reproduction. Building on the experience gained with the prior 450 and 452 designs, the Statement 455 iQ preserves all of their excellent attributes, and breaks new ground in the areas of midrange purity, bass realism, compelling microdynamics, and extraordinarily nuanced highs.

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.

Specifications

Statement 452 iQ Musicbloc™ Power Amplifier Integrated Amplifier

The VAC Statement 452 iQ is the most exciting new amplifier in music reproduction today. Benefitting from new circuit and layout developments, the Statement 452 attains an unprecedented jump in realism, coupled with greater flexibility and dependability.

Compared to the award-winning Statement 450, the new Statement 452 has greater headroom for unfettered musical impact, and a greater sense of body, space, and organic cohesiveness. You will hear more deeply into the recording space, catch delicate nuances in a singer’s phrasing you’ve not heard before; cymbals explode with more detail and energy, bass lines drive the music with more presence and playfulness... in short, the Statement 452 presents an absolute breakthrough in fidelity to the music.

The unconventional vertical architecture and lateral tube mounting play a large part in achieving this new sonic freedom. All relevant signal, power, and ground pathways in this hardwired amplifier are as short as possible, resulting in greatly increased resolution and dynamics. Truly, this is a ‘form follows function’ design.

The circuitry exploits VAC’s high speed parallel processing principle, with smaller parts that are willing to ‘jump’ electrically and magnetically with the music, where other amplifiers use large, musically ponderous components. There are a total of nine VAC design transformers in the Statement 452, in aggregate weighing 120 pounds, for perfect coupling combined with lightning fast speed.

The Statement 452 circuitry is fully balanced. Provision is made for accepting single-ended inputs, converting them to balanced prior to amplification. With VAC’s Musicbloc™ design, switch settings allow the amplifier to be configured for 450 watt single-channel mono operation, or as a 225 watt/channel dual mono amplifier, all without any compromise in either mode. This means you can start a system with a single Statement 452, and add another later for more power; if you have a pair of Statement 452, you can run them as monoblocks, or in dual mono for biamplification. These amplifiers can grow with you and conform to changing system demands.

For reliability and optimal sound, the Statement 452 is equipped with VAC’s patented iQ Continuous Automatic Bias System. No need for a meter or screwdriver, the iQ system is on the job every second, and will even let you know when to change the Gold Lion KT88 output tubes.

If you love music, you owe it to yourself to hear what is possible; you owe it to yourself to hear the all new VAC Statement 452! There is more music in your recordings than you know!

Downloads / Reviews / Videos

Michael Fremer - Stereophile, April 18, 2020
Greg Weaver - EnjoyTheMusic.com report on VAC at the 2019 Capital Audio Fest
“I got a little bit of time tonight to hear Kevin Hayes' new VAC Statement 452 Musicbloc amplifiers. I'm not sure I have the words yet to describe how remarkable they are. They are amazing!” Greg Weaver - EnjoyTheMusic.com, The Absolute Sound
“I had never heard such improvement in sound that I heard in the Audio Company's room at CAF with these amps!” Jack Roberts - The Audio Beatnik

Specifications

Master 300 iQ Musicbloc™ Power Amplifier

The new VAC Master 300 builds on lessons learned in the creation of our flagship Statement 452 amplifier. Featuring the same audio circuit topology, audio parts, hand wired audio pathways, and a similar internal layout, the Master 300 delivers the same amazing sound character with just 1.5 dB less maximum output, making it a natural choice for most high-end installations.

Like all VAC Musicbloc™ power amplifiers, the Master 300 can be set for 160 watt/channel stereo or dedicated 300+ watt mono operation via three switches on the back panel. The active audio circuitry is fully balanced from input to output at all times; for single-ended input, balancing input transformers provide the interface to the all balanced internal circuitry.

The input and driver circuits are direct coupled and implemented with highly linear low mu octal triodes operated in full Class A1. The output stage employs the legendary KT88 beam power kinkless tetrode, with bias optimized by VAC's patented* iQ Intelligent Continuous Automatic Bias System for ‘plug and play' reliability and automatic notification when a tube change is advisable.

Master 300 iQ Musicbloc™ Power Amplifier

Of course, the Master 300 uses our finest output transformers, resistors, capacitors, connectors, and so on, but what is most important is the way in which those parts are combined and the sound that is achieved. Sound that will bring you closer to the artists and instruments then ever before. Sound that is not ‘hi-fi' but music, a real, vivid, palpable recreation of the performers and their performances. Sound that will move your emotions, sound that will make you forget about the components and just get lost in the moment. Sound that you will want in your home.

Specifications

Signature 202 iQ

The all new VAC Signature 202 iQ Musicbloc™ builds on the foundation of the Statement 452 and Master 300, incorporating the same circuits, technologies, techniques, and materials to create a quality of sound never before heard in this category.

The Signature 202 iQ features VAC’s patented iQ Continuous Automatic Bias System and direct coupled Class A1 triode input and driver stages. The low feedback designs delivers 100 watts per channel in stereo mode and 200 watts in mono mode through its 14 pound 21 section bifilar output transformers. The inputs can be configured for fully balanced or single-ended operation.

The quartet of Gold Lion KT88 output tubes and TungSol 6SN7GTB input and driver tubes are accessed with the integral hinged cover.

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

Specifications

Essence 90 iQ Monobloc Power Amplifier

This new Monobloc from VAC is all about the essence of music, and the essence of exceptional audio engineering focused on it. This superb design takes the essential circuits, critical parts, and construction techniques from our finest models and presents them in an elegant, elemental, and essential form.

VAC exists for one reason: 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.

The Essence 90 Monobloc combines a pair of the legendary Gold Lion KT88 beam power tubes with our patented iQ Continuous Automatic Bias System and a massive 14 pound power transformer to deliver a vivid, lifelike sound that practically leaps from the loudspeakers. In a circuit adapted from our larger amplifiers, two 6SN7GTB octal twin triodes operating in a Class A1 in a direct coupled configuration form the input and driver circuit.

An external balanced (XLR) / SE (RCA) input switch alters six points within the amplifier to configure the circuit as fully balanced to accept a single-ended input. In either mode, the Essence 90 iQ is acting in the optimal fashion to accommodate your connection requirement.

The Essence 90 iQ will deliver 90 watts continuously into 4, 8, or 16 ohm loads via premium Cardas rhodium plated binding posts.

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

Specifications

Renaissance Phono Stage

After designing the cost-no-object, award- winning Statement Phono Stage, we approached the Renaissance Phono project with great excitement. How could the lessons learned be applied to a more attainable phono stage?

Could the techniques developed for the Statement be adapted and applied? Would the Statement “DNA” be audible?

It turns out that the sonic family resemblance is uncanny and unmistakable. The stunning Renaissance Phono Stage is already a reference for some turntable manufacturers.

The Renaissance circuit is directly developed from the Statement, incorporating the six twin triode tube stages responsible for the principal ampli cation of the phono signal and RIAA equalization.

“Dual mono rectification, filtering, decoupling, and energy storage is provided in the external power supply and in the audio chassis for spacious imaging, incredible detail, and full range impact. The new chassis design greatly improves EM shielding, with results more similar to the Statement than to earlier VAC preamplifiers.

Three inputs are provided on premium Cardas rhodium RCA jacks. Front panel controls allow you to customize the gain and both MM and MC cartridge loading. You can even select a mono mode to optimize noise and resolution with non- stereophonic recordings.

Compare the Renaissance Phono Stage with others costing many times more, even up to $30,000 or more. Hear your treasured recordings come to life, and we’ll soon be welcoming you to the VAC family.

The Special Edition version features many of the exotic resistors and capacitors found in the Statement Phono Stage, elevating the performance significantly.

Specifications

Essence Line Stage Preamplifier

The Essence series from VAC is all about the essence of music, and the essence of exceptional audio engineering focused on it. These superb components take the essential circuits, premium parts, and construction techniques from our finest models and present them in an elegant, elemental, and essential form.

VAC exists for one reason, and one reason only: 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.

The Essence Line Stage features all Class A1 triode audio circuits, metal film resistors, silver contact switches, motorized Alps RK27 analogue volume control, regulated heater supply, and mu metal power transformer shielding. It has remote control, four line inputs, a Cinema Bypass input, and two sets of outputs, all via gold plated RCA connectors. The tube complement is one 12AU7 twin triode and two 12AX7 twin triodes.

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

Master Preamplifier

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 racecars, 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.

Reviews / Downloads

AVShowrooms.com CES 2016 YouTube Video with Kevin Hayes
Part-Time Audiophile - New York Audio Show by Scot Hull - September 2014
Download the Master brochure

Specifications

Signature Mk IIa SE Preamplifier

Not long ago, the Signature Mk IIa was the finest preamplifier you could buy. In production since 2000, this enduring classic marked the introduction of the basic, fully balanced, zero-feedback, transformer-coupled Class A1 triode topology found in all contemporary VAC preamplifiers. Even from this early form, it preserves and reproduces the emotion and vitality of music and maximizes the performances of the associated source components and power amplifiers.

The Signature’s line stage has no coupling capacitors to detract from the purity and detail of the hand-wired circuit. With no loop feedback, the output is stable and free from dynamic interactions with the load. Six standard line inputs (five when phono is fitted) are present, as well as a fully balanced Cinema Bypass input.

The optional six-tube phono stage is sensitive and quiet, compatible with low-output, moving coil cartridges. Gain is adjustable, as is resistive loading. Electrostatic decoupling prevents the heater circuits from “talking” to each other, a common cause of lost detail. A separate power transformer is used, eliminating any disturbance of the delicate phono signal by the powerful line stage.

The VAC logos are backlit in an elegant blue in normal operation, and display red when the mute is activated. These are set in the heirloom-quality sculpted 3/8” faceplate.

The Signature SE (Special Edition) upgrades the input transformers to the premium designs used in the Statement and Master ranges.

Reviews & Downloads

Stereophile - Robert J. Reina June 2015
The Absolute Sound by Garrett Hongo, Sep. 2012
Dagogo.com Doug Schroeder March 2010
Inner Ear Magazine Feb. 2010
Download the Signature Mk IIa / Signature SE Preamplifier brochure

Specifications

Renaissance Mk V Preamplifier

The Renaissance Mk V Preamplifier replaces the earlier Mk III, and is completely new in circuit, chassis materials, and appearance. In fact, it has more in common with the VAC Statement Series than the prior Renaissance generation.

The line stage circuit is the same transformer- coupled Class A1 balanced triode design found in the Statement Line Stage. The external power supply has dual-mono recti cation and ltering of the crucial high voltage supplies for superb, spacious imaging and great preservation of nuance. The remote volume control is of the direct-acting analogue type and continuously variable, so you easily can the precise level that makes the music snap into focus.

The audio connectors are premium rhodium plated Cardas and Neutrik Professional. There are three high level inputs, two of which may be balanced or single-ended, just like the output.

Vinyl lovers may specify the optional MM MC phono stage, which features three twin triodes operating in pure Class A1, variable MC impedance loading, and purely passive, precise RIAA equalization. The circuit topology is derived from the Signature Mk IIa SE, di ering principally in the number of tubes employed, and uses the same premium MC input transformers. The results rival and exceed those delivered by many more costly separate phono stages. You should expect nothing less of a VAC.

Reviews / Downloads

Legendary Performance Award
Blue Note Award Ron Nagle - Enjoy The Music, May 2017
Boston Concert Reviews, March 2, 2017
Most Wanted Components Award, Michael Wright - Stereo Times, 2017

Specifications

Sigma 170i Integrated Amplifier

The VAC Sigma 170i is the world’s first integrated amplifier with the patented iQ Continuous Intelligent Automatic Bias System. The iQ System holds the true idle point of the output tubes perfectly steady under all conditions, increasing detail & dynamics, lowering distortion & noise, prolonging tube life, and protecting the amplifier. Integrated amplifiers are a great lifestyle choice, and VAC lets you have all of the benefits of tubes without the worry.

With optional MM/MC phono and balanced inputs, the 85 watt/channel Sigma 170i is ready to be the heart of your high end musical experience.

Features include:
• Pure vacuum tube audio circuitry
• 85 watts/channel into 4, 8, and 16 ohm speakers
• Cinema bypass mode for tie in to home theater
• Remote control
• True Class A triode tube line stage
• Pure analogue volume control
• Four inputs
• Optional MM/MC phono with adjustable MC loading
• Optional balanced input
• Optional perforated tube cage (required for CE countries)
• Fascia available in black or silver metal flake paint
• Hard chrome knobs and iQ display bar
• Gold Lion KT88 output tubes
• Premium Cardas RCA & speaker connectors
• Hand made in the United States by VAC
• The Special Edition version uses the Statement Series line input transformers with the balanced option, and incorporates exotic capacitors and resistors in key circuit locations for a larger, more vivid, detailed, and organic presentation

Reviews / Downloads

Ken Kessler - hi-fi news, September 20, 2021
Lee Shelley - Part Time Audiophile, July 26, 2020
Product Brochure

Specifications