The VAC Renaissance Mk III Preamplifier is a development of the preamplifier section from the highly regarded VAC Phi Beta Integrated amplifier and provides balanced and single-ended input and output capability. It is completely hand wired, and all switching is accomplished via high purity silver contact mechanical switches. The six active circuit elements are twin triode vacuum tubes, biased for Class A1 operation. Connectors are Cardas premium Rhodium type. Remote control of volume and mute is provided; in the mute state, the VAC logo changes from blue to red. Cine Bypass is included for use with volume controlled sources. The heavy power supply is external, with a 6 foot detachable umbilical cable. The optional MM/MC phono stage uses six triode elements with passive RIAA equalization. Variable gain (42/62 dB) and variable resistive loading are provided. Excellent results are obtained with pickups having nominal outputs from 0.2 mv to 5 mv. The standard fascia finish is black lacquer with gold metallic flake over a VAC-machined 10mm aluminum plate. The faceted and domed countersunk aluminum knobs are also machined at VAC and finished in 10 micron gold. Silver with chrome is optional at added cost.

Basic Specifications

• Type: Remote controlled Class A all Triode Vacuum Tube Preamplifier with Cinema (home theater) pass-through and optional MM/MC phono stage.

Line stage preamplifier:

• Gain: 22 dB
• Maximum input signal: Infinite (attenuation precedes the gain circuitry)
• THD: Approx. .04%
• 3 sets RCA line input, 2 sets balanced/RCA selectable inputs; optional MM phono and MC (or additional line input if phono is not fitted); 1 set RCA tape monitor input; 1 set RCA cinema bypass input
• Main outputs: 2 sets balanced and 2 sets single-ended
• Output impedance via RCA jacks: 300 ohms; inverting from all sources to RCA main outputs only
• Output impedance via XLR connector: 600 ohms with positive phase on pin 2, negative phase on pin 3 ("pin 2 hot" EIA / RCA standard)
• Maximum signal output: 30 volts RMS single-ended; > 30 volts RMS balanced
• Tape output: Unity gain from selector, non-inverting for archival integrity
• Cinema pass-through: Non-inverting, no gain, does not compromise the sound quality of normal stereo operation. May also be used for input of stereo source components with their own level controls (dacs, etc.).
• External power supply, detachable umbilical cable, detachable IEC power corde
• May be ordered for 100v, 120v, 220v, or 230/240v operation
• 2 x 12AU7 twin triode tubes and 4 x 12AX7 twin triode tubes

Phono stage (option):

• Class A Triode Vacuum Tube
• Gain: 62 dB MC, 42 dB MM (measured at tape output)
• Residual noise: less than 3 mv at output (S/N ratio greater than approx. 69 db)
• Overload: 117 mv @ 1 kHz = 8 volts RMS output; 460 mv @ 10 kHz
• Frequency response: RIAA +/- .25 dB
• MC load impedance selectable, 470, 300, 250, 200, 150, and 100 ohms (also for MM x 100)
• Both MM and MC cartidges may be simultaneously installed, selected by rear panel switch
• 3 x 12AX7 twin triode tubes

Other:

• Logo is blue for operate, red for mute
• Logo may be set to bright, dim, or off
• Dimensions (audio chassis): 17.9 inches wide, 5.5 inches high, 15.3 inches deep (+ knobs & connectors)
• Dimensions (power supply): 6.75" wide, 4.75" high, 14" deep (plus cables and cable clamp); 10 lbs.
• Shipping weight: approximately 40 pounds total
• Machined 10mm aluminum faceplate, custom machined knobs, non-magnetic chassis
• Two years parts and labor warranty, excluding tubes.
• Specifications subject to change and improvement without notice