Renaissance Mk III Signature Triode Amplifiers

The Renaissance 70/70 Mk III Signature Dual Mono Amplifier and Renaissance 140 Mk III Signature Monoblock build on the heritage of their predecessors, taking dramatic new steps to paint the most vivid and faithful sonic "virtual reality" pictures ever achieved.

The major difference compared to the Renaissance Mk III is parts quality, the Signature Series using capacitors, resistors, and rectifiers that cost an order of magnitude more. New power supply design lowers the noise floor by 70%. The sonic result is sound that is simultaneously more detailed yet more natural and laid back. Each individual instrument is more distinct and notable, the interplay between the instruments more playful and dramatic. It is as if a giant sonic menu is opened before you, inviting you to listen to any instrument you choose. Third oboe? Right over there, sir. Second alto sax? Hmmm. See how his vibrato is out of synch with the first alto, making a sudden bloom in the phrase?

The power output circuit is based upon the type 300B filamentary triode, quite simply the most faithful and most linear amplifying device ever invented. Contrary to common practice, these tubes are arrayed in push-pull Class A1, using only the most linear operating region, and providing potent power without the tiring imitation warmth of most single-ended designs. Each 300B is provided with its own completely independent heater and self-bias system, allowing every tube to automatically and continuously attain the best, purest operating point. The result is drive and dynamics that subjectively sound like 300 or more conventional watts. In addition, VAC's careful engineering yields 8,000 hours average tube life.

Zero negative feedback is necessary for good measurements and superb sound; indeed, while negative feedback produces impressive damping factor measurements, it can actually result in less accurate speaker control. The greatest fidelity accrues from creating a low output resistance without feedback, something at which the 300B tube excels. To help fine tune speakers with exceptionally wild impedance curves you can select small controlled amounts of feedback from two front panel controls.

Eliminating ground interaction is a significant factor in attaining the highest sound quality. This issue is addressed with a three position ground selector that allows you to tailor its own grounding to that of your source components. When properly set, there is a palpable increase in air and body.

The superb custom-wound bifilar VAC output transformers provide unsurpassed bandwidth and coupling. You may select from three output impedance points, for matching speakers of 2, 4, or 8 ohms. The chassis is CNC-machined at VAC from 1/4" aluminum for a superb, solid mechanical platform. It is non-magnetic, thus resisting interactions that could sour the sound, and well ventilated for long life.

For your convenience and protection, each pair of 300B output tube is monitored by VAC's 300B Sentry circuit. This remarkable circuit continuously assesses tube condition without any direct connection to the audio circuit, ensuring that the measurements will not degrade the sound in any way. In the unlikely event that a tube tries to "run away", the 300B Sentry will shut off the high voltage supply to the affected channel automatically. The identity of the defective tube pair is indicated by status lights at the bottom of the fascia. These lights will also tell you when you should consider changing a 300B due to weakening with age.

All of these features work together to ensure consistently superior sound quality in a uniquely thoughtful, easy to live with component. There is no finer power amplifier in the world.

We build the world's finest audio components

Valve Amplification Company
Tel. 941-359-2066   Fax 941-359-2057

E-mail:info@vac-amps.com

Copyright 2003 by Valve Amplification Company.  All rights reserved.  Specifications subject to change without notice.