The amazing SMc VRE-1C preamp/linestage, a game changer

[Steve Williams]

Try to get a listen to the VRE-1C. I think you would be amazed. I was with FM Acoustics (first 266 then 255) for nearly 20 years because it was extremely musical and also transparent. The VRE-1C was the only thing I've found to be better.

I'm sure I missed it and am being too lazy to search but what is the MSRP of the preamp

 

[slowGEEZR]

Steve, I too don't feel like searching, but I believe it is in the $20K range.

 

[garylkoh]

MSRP is $19,950

 

[Worldcat]

Gary your a great guy, thanks for your input! I will have to try one thanks.

Try to get a listen to the VRE-1C. I think you would be amazed. I was with FM Acoustics (first 266 then 255) for nearly 20 years because it was extremely musical and also transparent. The VRE-1C was the only thing I've found to be better.

 

[LL21]

I will have to hear this someday. Thanks Peter and Gary. Peter - thanks again for your review!!!

 

[4music]

Peter how does ir conpare to the Ypsilon PST Mk II?

 

[lasercd]

It seems odd that an almost $20k solid state preamp, that emphasizes that its a fully balanced design, would only have one XLR input. At this point virtually all high end source components have balanced (or pseudo-balanced) XLR output. I don't understand why it was designed so that you have to use an XLR>RCA adapter if you have more than one balanced source. Seems counter-intuitive to me.

 

[Peter Breuninger]

Peter how does ir conpare to the Ypsilon PST Mk II?

I compare it in the conclusion:

 

[KeithR]

I've owned a couple of McCormack amps and they were outstanding for the money. When this preamp was first introduced it had an msrp of $6500 as I recall...correct me if that isn't right. It's now $10K higher. Granted the original didn't have a remote but..

Yup- it was around 6k when released, but then doubled in price after giving it to a distributor as I recall.

That's always been my hiccup re: this preamp.

 

[egidius]

Audiopax

Yup- it was around 6k when released, but then doubled in price after giving it to a distributor as I recall.

That's always been my hiccup re: this preamp.

Well, that has been the case with one of my favourite preamps: I use the Audiopax M5 with great success, which retailed for about 6K, until it started to get distributed, when it ended up for a lot of money, like three times that price.

Maybe now they are seeing the way..

e

 

[Peter Breuninger]

I remember when Jeff Rowland started out. He was asking folks to buy a Model five for well under $2,500. As soon as he landed his first big dealer the price was 5,000. It's the nature of audio. Interestingly, it's the opposite of big screen TVs. I don't want to remember what I paid for two Plasmas and the first hot 34" LCD, it was more than the SMC at current price.

 

[Worldcat]

It is a shame that audio is like that! Products should be sold at a fair price, only given small discounts.

Audio equipment should hold value like art, not like buying a new car! The industry has always shot itself in the foot. That is why Apple is King and hi-end audio is a dying industry. I will tell someone what my speakers cost or other equipment they look at me like my head fell off They will not consider hi-end at all, then they say well i love my ipod!

 

[joeinid]

Bump.

I'm looking for additional information on this preamp. Retail is now $16,900. Does anyone have one or have you heard it? Thanks.

 

[joeinid]

I just found out retail is now $19,950. It has only one XLR input and I'd prefer at least two.

Bump.

I'm looking for additional information on this preamp. Retail is now $16,900. Does anyone have one or have you heard it? Thanks.

 

[Reinhard]

Takumi K15 has four XLR Inputs,

Reinhard

 

[asiufy]

4 times the ports, 4 times the price?


alexandre

 

[joeinid]

Probably worth it though.

4 times the ports, 4 times the price?


alexandre

 

[Reinhard]

Till last week the Takumi was the best SS Preamp from this world. Today it is the VRE-1c. I´m concerned.
What is the best SS preamp tomorrow.

Reinhard

 

[garylkoh]

I just found out retail is now $19,950. It has only one XLR input and I'd prefer at least two.

They are hand-built and custom-made, so I am sure that you can request for more. I have seen one with two XLR inputs.

With the VRE-1C, all inputs are true-balanced. So, using the XLR to RCA adapter supplied by SMc Audio results in a true balanced input (but not if you use a 'standard' XLR-RCA adapter).

 

[joeinid]

I so badly want to try one.

They are hand-built and custom-made, so I am sure that you can request for more. I have seen one with two XLR inputs.

With the VRE-1C, all inputs are true-balanced. So, using the XLR to RCA adapter supplied by SMc Audio results in a true balanced input (but not if you use a 'standard' XLR-RCA adapter).