You definitely won't find THIS at your local thrift store.
The new VAC Phi Beta Integrated Tube Amplifier. In fact, this is one of the VERY FIRST ones off the production line, according to Kevin Hayes of VAC.
This is one substantial amp... besides the main chassis, there is a SEPERATE power supply chassis, that's as big as SOME small bookshelf speakers. The main chassis weighs nearly 60 lbs, while the power supply is close to 40 lbs, itself.
Tube complement is: 6- 6189 (JAN) input tubes, 6- 6SN7 preamp tubes, and 4 KT88 output tubes, for an output of 100w/ch. It's also remote controlled, naturally.
Oh, in case the picture isn't obvious... the "VAC" logo on the front, is "bottom lit" by a string of white LEDs, which shine upwards through the bottom edge of the glass plate, onto the engraved VAC logo itself. Makes for a "ghost lighting" appearance that's quite remarkable.
As for sound- we've just gotten it, but at first listen, it's ALREADY better than any of the VAC stuff we've had betore.
Of course, for $18000, we'd expect it to be good. But, so far, it's holding its own against anything I've personally heard in that price range...
The new VAC Phi Beta Integrated Tube Amplifier. In fact, this is one of the VERY FIRST ones off the production line, according to Kevin Hayes of VAC.
This is one substantial amp... besides the main chassis, there is a SEPERATE power supply chassis, that's as big as SOME small bookshelf speakers. The main chassis weighs nearly 60 lbs, while the power supply is close to 40 lbs, itself.
Tube complement is: 6- 6189 (JAN) input tubes, 6- 6SN7 preamp tubes, and 4 KT88 output tubes, for an output of 100w/ch. It's also remote controlled, naturally.
Oh, in case the picture isn't obvious... the "VAC" logo on the front, is "bottom lit" by a string of white LEDs, which shine upwards through the bottom edge of the glass plate, onto the engraved VAC logo itself. Makes for a "ghost lighting" appearance that's quite remarkable.
As for sound- we've just gotten it, but at first listen, it's ALREADY better than any of the VAC stuff we've had betore.
Of course, for $18000, we'd expect it to be good. But, so far, it's holding its own against anything I've personally heard in that price range...