VAC 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.

Specification

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 12AU7 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.)