Just landed my dream amplifier....

[KeithR]

I haven't seen but one or two of these, long discontinued, Vac Phi Beta integrated amplifiers on the market. It retailed last for 22k- a "super" integrated, for sure.

Lo and behold today one showed up in Florida and I now own some pure audio jewelry! 100lb chassis made of aircraft aluminum with a separate 40lb power supply. It was discontinued due to cost of manufacture.

http://www.vac-amps.com/Phi_Beta.htm

KeithR

 

[Bill Hart]

Good for you. I know there are some folks that have raved about that piece. I wouldn't mind hearing his full on preamp either. Enjoy.

 

[joeinid]

Congrats Keith!

Great score.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

http://www.blu-ray.com/community/gallery.php?member=Gremal&folderid=3404

Greg used to be a reviewer here, but he let his personal opinion shine through....not good for a reviewer. Nonetheless... his VAC 110i is a kick-ass piece of gear!

 

[LL21]

Congrats! That is surely a dream amplifier! I remain convinced that improvements of the 'latest latest' are not always improvements...and further that the rate of improvement is far outpaced by the rate of depreciation! No doubt, you've done well. Enjoy!

 

[joeinid]

Congrats! That is surely a dream amplifier! I remain convinced that improvements of the 'latest latest' are not always improvements...and further that the rate of improvement is far outpaced by the rate of depreciation! No doubt, you've done well. Enjoy!

Well said Lloyd Very true indeed.

 

[Bill Hart]

It really is a beautiful piece of gear. And there is something to be said for not having more boxes, and cables to connect them. Integrated amps have come a long way......

 

[rockitman]

That's one sweet looking and spec'd integrated. Happy listening !

 

[jtinn]

I haven't seen but one or two of these, long discontinued, Vac Phi Beta integrated amplifiers on the market. It retailed last for 22k- a "super" integrated, for sure.

Lo and behold today one showed up in Florida and I now own some pure audio jewelry! 100lb chassis made of aircraft aluminum with a separate 40lb power supply. It was discontinued due to cost of manufacture.

http://www.vac-amps.com/Phi_Beta.htm

KeithR

Way to go Keith!

I know you have been coveting these for some time!!!

 

[Mike Lavigne]

sweet. congrats Keith.

 

[audioarcher]

Nice looking integrated. From your profile it looks like you have Zu Def 4's. It should have plenty of power for those.

 

[KeithR]

http://www.blu-ray.com/community/gallery.php?member=Gremal&folderid=3404

Greg used to be a reviewer here, but he let his personal opinion shine through....not good for a reviewer. Nonetheless... his VAC 110i is a kick-ass piece of gear!

He has the last one I've ever seen for sale--and he beat me to it!

 

[MylesBAstor]

I haven't seen but one or two of these, long discontinued, Vac Phi Beta integrated amplifiers on the market. It retailed last for 22k- a "super" integrated, for sure.

Lo and behold today one showed up in Florida and I now own some pure audio jewelry! 100lb chassis made of aircraft aluminum with a separate 40lb power supply. It was discontinued due to cost of manufacture.

http://www.vac-amps.com/Phi_Beta.htm

KeithR

Awesome, them VAC pieces will give you many hours of musical listening!

 

[treitz3]

Hello, Keith, I do believe a big congratulations are in order! Nice score. Have you had a chance to sit down and listen to it hooked up in your rig yet and if you don't mind me asking, what tube compliment are you using?

Tom

 

[KeithR]

Hello, Keith, I do believe a big congratulations are in order! Nice score. Have you had a chance to sit down and listen to it hooked up in your rig yet and if you don't mind me asking, what tube compliment are you using?

Tom

I am going to use Shuguang Black Treasure KT88s and NOS RCA clear dome 6NS7s. I have Psvane 12ax7s for the small stuff if need be.

I have heard it at a show long time ago (NYC- with VS VR4jrs), but not in my system.

 

[treitz3]

Oh, man! I absolutely love both of those tubes [Shuguang Black Treasure KT88s and Psvane 12ax7s], they have sounded great to stellar in almost everything I have heard them in so far. How long until you finally get to hear this in your rig? I'm actually excited for you and can only imagine your anticipation.

Tom

 

[Steve Williams]

Keith can you use KT-120's with the amp

 

[KeithR]

Keith can you use KT-120's with the amp

Not sure- but really don't have any need for them. Black Treasure KT88s should sound better and I don't need the extra power.

 

[MylesBAstor]

Not sure- but really don't have any need for them. Black Treasure KT88s should sound better and I don't need the extra power.

I'm not sure Kevin is a proponent of the KT120?

 

[mep]

How is this amp getting 110 watts out of a pair of KT-88 tubes? My ARC VS115 uses four KT-120s per channel and it has roughly the same output. 60-75 watts is more the norm with a pair of KT-88s.