We build the world's finest audio components TM

The VAC Visionary System (1997-1998) - A Look Back

"Imagine a rack system deciding to shed its mid-fi skin and jump to the heights of sound reproduction...I don't know if anyone realizes how bold a move the Visionary System is.  With one stroke VAC is attempting to...create not only a new standard for home theater sound but also a radically new concept in component packaging and design."   - Sight & Sound / Winter 1997 (1998 CES Issue)

The VAC Visionary System  was a unique series of components designed to address the needs of real people (i.e., non-audiophiles)
for extremely high performance stereo and multi-channel audio systems.  It was the first ever integrated solution to:

• provide passionate, life-like sound
• fit seamlessly with state-of-the-art home theater, including surround sound of all types available
  
• allow users to tailor the system to meet precise requirements
• grow in a dynamic, limitless fashion to do more things over time
  
• eliminate the need for separate high-end audio and home theater systems
  
• allow users to change its appearance via removable fascias to fit into changing home decor
• offer remote control over key system functions
• offer both tube (the prime choice of musicians and studios) and solid-state components
• help you sort out and manage the usual tangle of cables
• integrates other brands of products into the system as necessary (satellite TV, VCR, etc.)
• feature the finest build quality and performance - this is the Rolls Royce of sound
• be backed with the highest quality service, including optional programs for factory personnel to aid in installation, and FedEx based service should anything go awry
  

It seemed like a good idea at the time and, as you will see below, won quite a bit of acclaim. However, the chassis designs, engineered (for the first and only time) by an external industrial design firm, proved almost impossible to produce with any degree of precision and ruggedness. In addition, we began to get a sense that the VAC Visionary System was answering a question that no one was asking. Thus, production was halted after the pilot run. The basic need for home theater/multichannel integration has since been handled by our 1997 innovation, the Cinema Bypass (fixed volume pass through) mode, which has been widely copied by other manufacturers. It is also known as Home Theater Bypass, Fixed/Variable, or simply Cine.

The remaining text is quoted directly from the 1998 literature:

The VAC Visionary System combines distinctive styling and advanced functionality with components connect to one another by means of gracefully curved, wing-shaped pillars, which dock together.  The pillars extend above and below the chassis of the individual components, so that, when connected together, the components appear to be floating in space, suspended by the pillars.  In this manner, Visionary System components you select create an integrated system that presents a harmonious, unified appearance.  A variety of available finishes and cosmetic trim features allow the appearance of the system to be customized for any decor.  The key visual elements - pillars, fascia, and knobs - are interchangeable and available in metallic, lacquer, and wood finishes.

"Even jaded been-there, seen-that reviewers were going gaga over the new [Visionary] line."       - Stereophile Guide to Home Theater, May 1998

"And the [Visionary] components are simply stunning..."     - Hi-Fi News, April 1998

"Too often high-end audio is an aesthetically intrusive and unwelcome element in the home.  The Visionary
System is designed for an elegant, timeless appearance, easy to set up and maintain, incorporating every
imaginable kind of component, but without compromising the sound."

 
High-End Audio & (or) Home Theater

Many audiophiles do not have space for separate audio-only and home-theater systems.  The Visionary System solves this problem by integrating no-compromise vacuum tube audio electronics modules with video switcher, surround decoder, power control, and solid-state amplifier modules.  Simply select the elements that best serve your needs.

"Because the Visionary System integrates high-end audio and home theater components and provides uncompromising sound quality, it eliminates the situation found in many homes, where separate high-end audio and home theater systems are installed because the home theater system can not provide the sound quality demanded by people who know and love good sound."

With its self-docking configuration, the Visionary System occupies a minimum of floor space, yet allows dynamic
growth potential, without the inherent limitations of normal stands and shelving units.  An audiophile may start with
a single Visionary System module used in conjunction with existing equipment, and, over time, add those modules
that create a complete home entertainment system custom tailored in function and appearance.  In addition, "open
space" modules allow the use of other brands of components (cassette deck, DSS receiver, etc.) while retaining the
system's distinctive style.

Simple elegance, for when only the very best will do.

The complete range of Visionary System audio and home theater components include.....

Initial release (available April 1998):

• CPA2/CVA2 remote-controlled triode-based Class A vacuum tube preamplifier with available phono stage.
• CDP1 full CD player with HCDC decoding and triode tube Class A output.
• PAM160 vacuum tube monoblock amplifier. Variable feedback. 160 watts ultralinear, 70 watts triode. 2, 4, 8 ohm output taps.
• PAS90 vacuum tube stereo amplifier. High efficiency/low heat design.
• PTT70 70 watt/100 watt (8ohm/4ohm) /channel, three channel solid state home theater amplifier
• PSC1 remote-controlled system power controller/sequencer.

Future modules (late 1998, early 1999):

• PTS100 stereo 100 watt/channel solid state amplifier, switchable to monoblock operation.
• PTS120 120 watt/240 watt (8 ohm/4ohm) /channel, two channel solid state amplifier.
• LPA1 belt-drive turntable/pickup arm/cartridge combination with viscous damping trough.
• CVA2 module provides video switching, Dolby Digital/Dolby ProLogic/DTS decoding and multi-channel home theater operation.
• SLL1 six channel leveling amplifier. Allows the user to set maximum sound level for home theater to prevent excessive levels and/or prevent the system from being driven into distortion. Uncommonly useful in maintaining intelligibility of dialogue without excessive SPL from sonic special effects. Uses electro-luminescence technology such as found in the highly prized LA2 studio unit from the 1950's, for a rich, natural sound. [Editorial note: At that time VAC was resurrecting and producing the Teletronix LA-2A leveling amplifier for Universal Audio. After the first 200 units or so, production was moved to a lower cost vendor.]
• AXO1 electronic stereo active crossover with vacuum tube circuitry.
• AVP1 solid state multi-channel home theater preamplifier.
• FMT1 ultimate-performance all-tube FM tuner.
• ASM, AST "open space" accessory shelves to accommodate items from other brands, such as DSS receiver or cassette deck.

Winner 1998 Innovation's Award from CEMA/Industrial Design Society of  America

We build the world's finest audio components

Valve Amplification Company

Home ... Contact Us

All web site contents copyright 2008 by Valve Amplification Company.  All rights reserved.  Specifications subject to change without notice.