VAC STATEMENT PHONO PREAMPLIFIER

Recognized as one of World's Best tube phono preamps, this two chassis VAC Statement Phono is in exceptional condition- only one very small mark on top of the power supply chassis. Used previously as a demo unit by a partner of XtremeFidelity who has since retired and has cared for it lovingly; only selling due to system downsizing.

Chassis is hand-rubbed gold-flake gloss black lacquer with chrome knobs.

This VAC Statement dual mono triode vacuum tube phono (MM/MC, three gain modes, adjustable load, stereo/mono operation) preamplifier is designed for extreme applications. On the back panel there are two DC umbilical cords and large Amphenol aerospace connectors, a reminder of the massive dual mono power supply. There are inputs for four independent phono sources. In addition, each input may be of the conventional single-ended type or may be fully balanced.

The chassis is machined at VAC from high-grade, non-ferrous aluminum and with superior RF rejection properties across a wide range of radio frequencies. Similar care is taken around each of the six wideband audio transformers in each unit.

The front panel features a large machined knob for the four-position selector switch. Another large knob selects overall gains of 52 dB, 70 dB, or 76 dB to match virtually all moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Smaller knobs provide full control of load impedance, load capacitance, and stereo or mono operation.

The audio chassis’ distinct isolated sections dedicated to certain signal functions prevent unwanted interactions among the circuits. Interconnecting wires are carefully routed and directed by spaced machined nonmetallic guides. The hand-wired vacuum tube audio circuit assemblies are bonded to massive brass loading plates, which in turn are isolation mounted to the main chassis. The eight twin triode vacuum tubes employed in the various Class A 1audio stages are made with the finest grade parts, such as ‘naked’ metal foil resistors. The RIAA equalization is achieved without negative feedback, preserving the organic nature of the sound. A wide range of magnetic core materials and magnet wires were tested and auditioned, including different winding structures, silver and copper magnet wires, and mu metal and amorphous cobalt cores, to determine the ideal combination for the world’s finest phono stage.

The massive separate power supply is a dual mono design with substantial energy storage and high inherent regulation. Both resistive and inductive elements are used in concert with high-speed capacitor assemblies for the high voltage supplies, while active voltage stabilization is included in the four heater supplies and the 12-volt trigger supply.

Tubes:  6x 12AX7 ; 2 x E88CC/6922, ECC88/6DJ8, or 7308

From Jonathan Valin's (TAS) Golden ear Award on the VAC Statement: "...pretty much the same resolution and transient speed as the world’s best transistor gear...The Statement exercises uncanny (for tubes) control of the bottom octaves. And of course its midrange and treble are simply and gorgeously dense in tone color and low-level texture. However, if, once again, you’re expecting the usual big, bloomy tube-like mids and slight softening roll on top, think again. No “inflated” midband images, no loss of treble-range color or detail here. In focus and extension, the Statement electronics are closer to solid-state than typical tubes. But not in color, not in texture, not in gestalt."

Greg Weaver (Part-Time Audiophile)- one of his "Product of the Decade": "...unmatched tonal purity, fluency, and balance, their unforced, natural, relaxed, organic, presentation, their exceptionally refined resolution, and their visceral, corporeal spatial acumen, you soon come to an amazing realization. These products (VAC Statement) are simply among the absolute best of the absolute best available today! They are firmly situated in that rarefied stratum of products, that very select, and scant, handful of world-class hyper audio systems, those rare devices that possess the ability to accomplish that grandest of deceptions – that of permitting us to believe that we are in the presence of live music....unquestionably represent a pinnacle of performance available today."

The current Retail price of this Statement Phono is $80,000.00 and typically requires waiting months to get one. They very rarely come up for resale. This preamp is already at the top of the heap, certainly for tube preamps. Here is your opportunity to own a pristine sample of the absolute best!

This is being sold only due to retirement downsizing. Preamp will be shipped in all original packaging. 

This Statement Phono Preamp is located at our office in Indiana. SHIPPING arrangements will be discussed directly between our Mike and the successful buyer. Price does NOT include shipping.

Reasonable offers considered. Sorry, No trades and No credit cards. Payment by wire transfer unless other arrangements are approved in advance. SHIPPING & Insurance ADDITIONAL. Please note: the Audiogon shipping rates do NOT include cost of insurance! We will provide a quote at our cost.

XtremeFidelity has 100% Positive feedback on Audiogon & AudioMart. Buy with confidence!