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The VAC Master Line Stage preamplifier distills the essential developments from VAC's cost-no-object Statement preamplifiers into a highly effective and elemental form. It features a massive, custom-made, multisection 2.2 kg brass volume control with internal brass shielding and remote control capability via a motor drive system for infinite resolution. The unit is hand-wired with Class A1 audio circuits mounted on machined, mass-loading plates decoupled from the chassis to minimize microphony and enhance detail and imaging. When equipped with the optional internal phono stage, it includes a separate dedicated power transformer and DC umbilical cable for complete isolation from the line section, effectively functioning as an external phono stage within the same chassis. Premium components such as naked z-foil resistors and exotic capacitors (some beeswax) are used throughout. The Master Line Stage outperforms all preamplifiers except the VAC Statement models that inspired it. It supports multiple inputs including 3 RCA line inputs, 2 balanced/RCA selectable inputs, and a cinema bypass input, with optional MM and MC phono inputs. Outputs include 2 RCA and 2 balanced XLR connectors. The design ensures correct absolute phase, a flat frequency response from 5 Hz to 210 kHz, very low distortion (<0.009% THD at 1 kHz), and a maximum output of less than 8 V RMS. The unit weighs approximately 75 lbs (27.7 kg) with phono option and comes with a two-year warranty excluding tubes. The finish is standard black fascia with chrome knobs, with a silver fascia available as a special order upgrade.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Phono stage specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Master Preamplifier's signal-to-noise is 80 dB against the Master Line Stage's 69 dB. Both share thd (0.009%), mm gain (44 dB), and mc gain (64 dB).
The Orpheus's signal-to-noise is 84 dB against the Master Line Stage's 69 dB, its mc gain 60 dB against 64 dB, its mm gain 40 dB against 44 dB, and its output voltage 10.0V RMS against 8.0V RMS.
The Orpheus MK3S's signal-to-noise is 84 dB against the Master Line Stage's 69 dB, its mc gain 62 dB against 64 dB, and its output voltage 10.0V RMS against 8.0V RMS. Both share mm gain (44 dB).
The Statement Phono's signal-to-noise is 72 dB against the Master Line Stage's 69 dB, its thd 0.002% against 0.009%, its mc gain 54 dB against 64 dB, and its mm gain 34 dB against 44 dB.
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