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.
* The VAC iQ circuit is protected by US Patent 8,749,310.
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Power Output
90 watts
Load Impedance
4, 8, or 16 ohms
Power Bandwidth
13 Hz to 70 kHz Input
Neutrik XLR to fully balanced circuit
Cardas rhodium RCA to single-ended inputTubes
2 x Gold Lion KT88 beam power
2 x TungSol 6SN7GTB twin triode
Hinged vented grille for accessVoltage
May be factory configured for 100, 120, 220, or 230/240 volts
50 Hz or 60 HzPower Input
Detachable cord to 15 ampere IEC receptacle Fascia Finish
Hand polished black gloss with gold flake
or silver metallicWarranty
Two years parts & labor in the continental USA
except vacuum tubes (90 days)
See owner’s manual for terms and detailsDimensions (HxWxD)
8.7" x 9" x 15" (221 x 229 x 381 mm)
Shipping Weight
46 lbs.
Origin
Handcrafted in Sarasota, Florida, USA
This product is manufactured under VAC’s US Patent 8,749,310
*Specifications subject to change without notice.
- Reviews
“Through these VAC amps, my room evaporated, leaving an enormous space, wide, tall and deep, near the back of which appeared the 25-voice choir—and, behind them, the Aoelian-Skinner organ. When John Atkinson came to measure, I insisted he listen to this recording. He let out an involuntary "Wow!" The presence of the images and the absence of reproductive artifacts were remarkable. It's what this hobby/pursuit is all about.”
Michael Fremer - Stereophile, April 18, 2020
“What I hope to make clear was that the differences with these new amplifiers [VAC Statement 452 iQ] were not subtle. Everyone, not just me, picked up on the improvements within just a few seconds, the improvements were that apparent... stunningly apparent. Besides offering a considerably clearer view, with obviously greater resolution and transparency, there was an additional unfettered sense of openness and dimensionality to the entire soundscape. The stage was deeper, wider, and taller, and in a more realistic, dynamic manner, not in some emphasized or distorted caricature of that space. No, this was not subtle at all. And again, everyone with any previous experience with this system felt the same way, noting the difference virtually immediately! ... This system made an enormous leap forward, further advancing and expanding the limitations of what can be accomplished in the realm of electro-mechanical reconstruction of a live performance.”
Greg Weaver - EnjoyTheMusic.com report on VAC at the 2019 Capital Audio Fest
“I waited a year to hear the system again in the Potomac room and the addition of Kevin Hayes' 452iQ amps raised the performance level up 2 notches I didn't know existed.... The system improvement with the 452iQs was instantly recognizable, substantial, and amazing, congratulations on advancing the SOTA and improving our appreciation of music! ”
Kemper Holt - A/V Showrooms
“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
“You set the bar with your sound! I can't wait to use VAC amps at Axpona again.”
Lou Hinkley - Daedalus Audio
“Maestro, it is we, the music-loving consumers, that offer you our sincerest thanks for having the commitment and drive to make the best even better. You were sitting beside me, and you know it didn't take more than 10 seconds for the expletives to start falling out of my mouth!”
Greg Weaver - EnjoyTheMusic.com, The Absolute Sound
“Kevin those amps took that system to a level I didn't know recorded music could go!”
Jack Roberts - The Audio Beatnik
“This is an example of how top tier gear can elevate an already excellent speaker. Leading and trailing edges were beautiful and harmonic density was enrapturing. Subtly of tone and texture was mesmerizing. Just magically musical and enjoyable.”
Dr. Matthew Clott - EnjoyTheMusic.com
“The soundstage went from heaven above and around the globe. It was clean and detailed. It was fast and beautifully toned... I used to sell million-dollar stereos, and despite what the trolls think, in luxury audio you really do get what you pay for. This system played big, beautiful, and dramatic.”
Herb Reichert - Stereophile