exceptional two-channel audio for the home
Valve Amplification Company -VAC
Every finely crafted VAC instrument is refined to bring music to life with stunning vividness and realism and to convey music with the very breath of life present in the recording studio or concert hall. VAC products are masterpieces because they allow each recorded performance to be heard with the musical authenticity the musicians intended. To bring this sonic purity and dimension of sound to the discerning ears of our customer, VAC uses vacuum tube technology almost exclusively. A passion for superb sound quality and expert attention to detail is also required to refine each piece to its peak of performance. Great care is evident in every note sounded by a VAC instrument. This is an appreciation that can only grow over a lifetime of listening for the music lover. Listen and let the sound be your guide!
XtremeFidelity is proud to be a VAC Select Dealer- one of the very few selected by VAC to carry their premier Statement line of products.
Statement 452iQ Musicbloc (™)
Monoblock Amplifier
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!
Statement 450 iQ Integrated Amplifier
The Statement 450i iQ Integrated Amplifier is an ultimate performance, cost-no-object instrument that establishes a new benchmark for sound quality in integrated amplifiers. Part of the secret of its performance is in the unusual vertical form factor, which allows the optimal placement of circuit elements and purest, most direct routing of signals, for a total result that exceeds the sum of its parts.
The Statement 450i iQ builds upon the prior art of the Statement separate components. Conceptually the 450i includes a Statement 450S iQ power amplifier, a Statement Line Stage, and phono stage with multiple inputs, variable gain, and adjustable loading. Power supply arrangements are dual mono throughout, with six main power transformers for left and right power amplifier, left and right line stage, and left and rght phono stage. The internal topology is fully balanced.
VAC’s patented iQ Continuous Stable Automatic Bias System* keeps the KT88 output tubes set at the intended operating point at all times for better sound, protection, and automatic indication of when tubes should be replaced.
When you listen to the VAC Statement 450i iQ you quickly will understand why others describe the experience using words like amazed, transfixed, flawless, and stunning.
To protect your investment, your Statement 450i iQ will come to you in a custom flight case. The case is on wheels for easy placement, and is made in three sections which allow it to be unpacked without ever having to lift the full weight of the amplifier. The amplifier tower is supported by four integral captive roller balls that allow the unit to be moved, yet supply good mechanical grounding and support.
* The VAC iQ Intelligent Continuous Automatic Bias System is protected by U.S. patent number 8,749,310, worldwide patents pending.
Signature 200 iQ Amplifier
This 100 watt per channel stereo, 200 watt monoblock powerhouse features the exclusive patented *VAC iQ Continuous Automatic Bias System,the only system able to hold each power tube's true underlying idle current perfectly steady at all times.
Stereo or monoblock operation.
Master 300 iQ Musicbloc Amplifier
NEW from VAC! Born of the latest "Musicblock" amplifier technology from VAC Statement products, the new Master 300iQ delivers 300 watts/ch in mono; 160 in stereo mode. Fully balanced from input to output, with the single-ended inputs balanced by transformers to provide the input signal with a proper interface to the all-balanced circuitry of the amplifier design. Input and driver circuits are direct coupled and implemented with highly linear low mu cotal triodes that operate in full class-A. Output stages are KT88 driven, with bias optimized by VAC’s patented iQ Intelligent Continuous Automatic Bias System.
Sigma 170iQ Integrated Amplifier
The new 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:
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Pure vacuum tube audio circuitry
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85 watts/channel into 4, 8, and 16 ohm speakers
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Cinema bypass mode for tie in to home theater
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Remote control
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True Class A triode tube line stage
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Pure analogue volume control
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Four inputs
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Optional MM/MC phono with adjustable MC loading
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Optional balanced input
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Available glass/machined aluminum cage
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Fascia available in black or silver metal flake paint
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Hard chrome knobs and iQ display bar
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Gold Lion KT88 output tubes
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Premium Cardas RCA & speaker connectors
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Hand made in the United States by VAC
Statement Line Stage
The Statement Line Amplifier is a high current, low impedance, balanced Class A1 triode vacuum tube amplifier. While inherently balanced in design, its high precision wideband transformers accomplish conversion to single-ended operation in a sonically transparent way.
Mechanical Design The chassis is machined at VAC from high-grade, non-ferrous aluminum and processed through a series of plating steps. The resulting AICuNiCr chassis possesses 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.
Remote The remote 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.
This VAC Statement dual mono triode vacuum tube phono (MM/MC, three gain modes, adjustable load, stereo/mono operation) preamplifier is designed for extreme applications. On the back panel there are two DC umbilical cords and large Amphenol aerospace connectors, a reminder of the massive dual mono power supply. There are inputs for four independent phone sources. In addition, each input may be of the conventional single-ended type or may be fully balanced.
Mechanical Design The chassis is machined at VAC from high-grade, non-ferrous aluminum and processed through a series of plating steps. The resulting AICuNiCr chassis possesses superior RF rejection properties across a wide range of radio frequencies. Similar care is taken around each of the six wideband audio transformers in each unit. The front panel features a large machined knob for the four-position selector switch. Another large knob selects overall gains of 52 dB, 70 dB, or 76 dB to match virtually all moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Smaller knobs provide full control of load impedance, load capacitance, and stereo or mono operation.
Electrical Design The audio chassis’ distinct isolated sections dedicated to certain signal functions 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. The eight twin triode vacuum tubes employed in the various Class A 1audio stages are made with the finest grade parts, such as ‘naked’ metal foil resistors. The RIAA equalization is achieved without negative feedback, preserving the organic nature of the sound. A wide range of magnetic core materials and magnet wires were tested and auditioned, including different winding structures, silver and copper magnet wires, and mu metal and amorphous cobalt cores, to determine the ideal combination for the world’s finest phono stage.
Power Supply The 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.
Statement Phono Preamplifier
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.
Signature Preamplifier MK IIa SE
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.
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.
Renaissance PhonoPreamplifier
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 recti cation, ltering, 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.
Coming Soon from VAC... The new Essence series: Mono blocks, Line Stage & future Phono stage. High performance at a great price!