The New VAC Standard Six Multichannel Triode Tube Preamplifier

If you are building your system with the highest quality reproduction of multichannel music sources in mind, you need the VAC Standard Six. It's an all triode tube design that has six discrete analogue channels, as well as six stereo inputs, full tape loop, and an optional MM or MM/MC triode phono stage.

No compromise in circuit design or sound quality was made for this design, which sounds superior to the majority of "stereo-only" preamplifiers costing twice as much. Premium parts are used throughout this carefully voiced (by VAC founder Kevin Hayes) and hand built jewel - the performance is pure VAC.

All of the features you would expect from VAC are included, such as remote control, separate power supply, all aluminum chassis, sculpted 3/8" fascia finished in gold-metal-flake black lacquer, custom machined gold plated aluminum knobs and independent channel level trim adjustments for the multichannel source.

Home theater users will also prize the VAC Standard Six. While it is true that the "lossy compression" audio encoding used for movies is not of uncompromising fidelity, this merely heightens the necessity not to degrade the signal further with poor electronics. To put it simply, when you have fewer bits to start, each bit is that much more precious. The Standard Six makes an amazing difference, presenting more sound quality than you thought was on the DVD.

The new optional phono stage is derived from the circuit used in the VAC Signature Preamplifier, and is an all triode tube design. The precise RIAA equalization is obtained without resorting to negative feedback. You would need to spend $5,000 or more to obtain a separate phono stage to compete with the VAC.

VAC Standard Six Specifications:

• Type: Six channel remote controlled Class A all Triode Vacuum Tube Preamplifier with separate power supply. MSRP $6,000

Options:

• Class A all Triode Vacuum Tube MM Phono stage, $600.
• Switchable MC phono step-up, $500.

Line stage preamplifier:

• Six triode channels (typical use as "5.1" control amplifier)
• Gain: 24 dB
• Maximum input signal: Infinite (attenuation precedes the gain circuitry)
• THD: Approx. .04%
• Output impedance: 650 ohms
• Six stereo inputs (five when phono option is fitted)
• One tape loop with monitor
• One six channel input with level trim controls for all channels
• Tape output: Unity gain from selector, non-inverting
• Dual main stereo (left front & right front) outputs for biamping

MM Phono stage (option):

• Class A Triode Vacuum Tube
• Gain: 37 db (measured at tape output)
• Residual noise: 2.5 mv at output (S/N ratio approx. 72 db)
• Overload: 120 mv @ 1 kHz = 8 volts RMS output
• Frequency response: RIAA +/- .25 dB
• Passive equalization (no negative feedback)
• Does not invert absolute phase.

MC Step-up (option):

• Special ultra-wideband transformers
• 20 db gain
• works in conjunction with the MM Phono option
• S/N ratio with 0.25 mv MC cartridge is the same as a 2.5 mv MM cartridge used through the MM input

Tube complement:

• 3 x 12AX7 low noise (phono option)
• 3 x 12AX7 (line stage)
• 3 x 12AU7/6189A (line stage)

Other:

• Dimensions: (main chassis) 18 inches wide, 4 inches high, 15.3 inches deep (+ knobs & connectors)
• Dimensions: (power supply) 4.3 inches wide, 5.3 inches high, 6 inches deep
• Shipping weight: 45 pounds approx.
• Machined 3/8" aluminum faceplate, custom machined knobs, extensively braced chassis
• Three years parts and labor warranty, excluding tubes.
• Specifications subject to change and improvement without notice

We build the world's finest audio components TM

Valve Amplification Company
E-mail:info@vac-amps.com

All web site contents copyright 2003 by Valve Amplification Company.  All rights reserved.  Specifications subject to change without notice.