Renaissance Preamplifier Mk II
The VAC Renaissance Mk II Preamplifier is the most affordable preamplifier to offer our premium technology. Derived from the Signature Mk II Preamplifier, it represents the best sound for the dollar. Includes our premium zero feedback balanced triode circuit, extensive remote control, separate power supply, VAC Cinema Bypass™, balanced inputs & outputs, iVAC™ data buss, and optional MM/MC phono. Each line stage input may be set for variable or fixed gain, offering supreme flexibility.
The Renaissance Mk II's circuits follow VAC's "first principles" design philosophy, wherein we look beyond conventional wisdom to discover what a preamplifier really must do to preserve musical life. As usual, the answers are distinct from anything you've seen or heard before.
Through its principal outputs, the Renaissance Preamplifier Mk II contains no coupling capacitors from input to output. Thus, no coupling capacitor hinders the purity and detail developed by the two Class A1 twin triode tubes. Additionally, there is no loop negative feedback, so the output interface is completely stable and free from dynamic interactions with the load. Two fully balanced inputs are provided; these may also be configured via switch for standard RCA inputs. Fully balanced outputs are present, as are standard RCA outputs.
Balancing is achieved by differential triodes working with special wideband transformers. This design ensures a true balanced signal, capable of driving loads as low as 200 ohms, something impossible with cathode followers and totem circuits. With either balanced or single-ended loads, the output transformer tends to eliminate the effects of ground loops, allowing for the most liquid, dimensional sound. Unusually, the VAC provides identical sound through either the SE or balanced inputs and outputs; therefore, the choice of mode is dependent entirely upon the charactersitics of the source components and power amplifiers.
The line stage also offers VAC's Cinema Bypass mode, 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. It allows a cost-no-object stereo system to integrate seamlessly into a home theater context when needed, without any degredation of two channel performance from traditional stereo sources. The Cinema Bypass input may also be used with stereo components that have their own level control, such as d/a converters (and improves their sound by providing a more competant, isolating drive to the power amplifiers).
The optional phono stage is sensitive and quiet, capable of handling even low output moving coil cartridges. A rear panel switch allows engagement of wideband transformers to provide a proper and balanced load to low output pickups. Electrostatic decoupling prevents the heater circuits from "talking" to each other, a common cause of lost detail.
The standard remote allows complete control over power, input, tape monitor, cinema input, mute, and volume; all of these functions are also available via direct switches on the front panel. No VCAs (or "gain modules") or transistor switches (switched ladder networks) are used in the the VAC remote system, as these greatly compromise sound quality.
12 volt triggers are provided, as is the iVAC data system, which is compatible with Phi Series power amplifiers.
The heirloom-quality sculpted 3/8" aluminum fascia is finished in high-gloss black lacquer. The liberal use of sound deadening material compliments the 1/4" thick CNC-machined aluminum chassis, creating a solid mechanical foundation.
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Copyright 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 by Valve Amplification Company. All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice.