Electrical Design
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.

VAC’s Cinema Bypass Mode
The line stage also offers a fully buffered tape loop and, which allows your high-end stereo system to integrate seamlessly with home theater. The cinema bypass input is a fixed gain input that allows your source component to control volume, and passes this signal through to the stereo power amplifiers without further processing.

Remote
The lacquered aluminum volume/mute remote control is standard. In the mute state, the VAC logo changes from blue to red. Uniquely, our remote system is implemented with electromechanical switches and controls. This approach is considerably more costly than the usual digital interfaces, but has several major advantages. First, no VCAs, relays, or transistor switches (switched ladder networks) are used in controlling volume. This is mandatory for sonic purity. Second, VAC’s careful implementation avoids the use of microprocessors, which generate significant noise signals that, while sometimes not audible directly, can do damage to the sound.

Power Supply
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.

Construction
The standard fascia finish is black lacquer with gold metallic flake over a VAC-machined 10 mm 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.

 

Gain	22 dB
Inputs	3 sets RCA line input 2 sets balanced/RCA selectable inputs 1 set RCA tape monitor input 1 set RCA cinema bypass input Optional MM phono and MC (or additional line input if phono is not fitted)
Outputs	2 sets balanced 2 sets single-ended
Tubes	2x 12AU7 4x 12AX7
Absolue Phase	Correct from all inputs to all outputs
Frequency Response	Flat over audio band -3 db bandwidth 4 Hz - 200 kHz
THD	Approx. .04%
Maximum Output	30 volts RMS single-ended; >30 volts RMS-balanced
Output Impedance	Via RCA jacks: 300 ohms; inverting from all sources to RCA main outputs only Via XLR connector: 600 ohms with positive phase on pin 2, negative phase on pin 3 (“pin 2 hot” EIA / RCA standard)
Maximum Input	Infinite signal (attenuation precedes the gain circuitry)
Recommended Output Load	> 10000 ohms
Power	External power supply, detachable umbilical cable, detachable IEC power cord
Tape Output	Unity gain from selector, non-inverting for archival integrity
Cinema Bypass	Yes
Voltage	May be ordered for 100v, 120v, 220v, or 230/240v operation
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 (including knobs and connectors): 5.5 x 17.9 x 15.3 in. (14 x 45.5 x 38.9 cm.) Power supply (not including cables and cable clamp): 4.75 x 6.75 x 14 in. (12.1 x 17.1 x 35.6 cm.)
Shipping Weight	Audio chassis: 40 lbs. (18.2 kg.)

 

Phono Stage (optional)
Tubes	3x 12AX7
Gain	462 dB MC, 42 dB MM (measured at tape output)
Frequency Response	RIAA +/- .25 dB
Channel Seperation	> 70dB @ 1 kHz
Maximum Input	Infinite signal (attenuation precedes the gain circuitry)
MC Load Impedance	selectable, 470, 300, 250, 200, 150, and 100 ohms
MM Load Impedance	selectable, 47k, 30k, 25k, 15k, and 10k ohms 100pF
Overload	117MV @ 1kHz = 8 volts RMS output; 460MV @ 10kHz
Residual Noise	Less than 3MV at output (s/n ratio greater than approx. 69db

Both MM and MC cartridges may be simultaneously installed, selected by rear panel switch.

*Specifications subject to change without notice.