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The Renaissance Mk V Preamplifier from Valve Amplification Company is a completely redesigned successor to the earlier Mk III, with new circuitry, chassis materials, and appearance, sharing key line-stage design concepts with VAC's Statement Series. Its line stage uses a transformer-coupled Class A1 balanced triode topology employing a pair of 7308/6922-family twin triodes and Lundahl output transformers, giving it the behavior of a small Class A power amplifier rather than a conventional buffer preamp. The unit features an external dual-chassis power supply with rectification and filtering in a separate enclosure, connected via an umbilical cable, which improves imaging, noise floor, and preservation of low-level detail. A direct-acting analogue, motorized potentiometer volume control provides continuously variable attenuation via the front panel or remote. The audio connectors are premium rhodium-plated Cardas and Neutrik Professional parts, with three high-level inputs (two of which are user-selectable as balanced XLR or single-ended RCA), and one set each of RCA and balanced XLR main outputs. An optional full-function MM/MC phono stage can be factory fitted, employing three twin triodes in pure Class A1, with variable loading for moving-coil cartridges and purely passive RIAA equalization. The preamplifier may be configured at the factory for 100, 120, 220, or 230/240 V operation and includes an illuminated VAC logo whose brightness can be set to bright, dim, or off.
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 Signature IIa's mc gain is 64 dB against the Renaissance Mk V's 62 dB. Both share power @ 8ω (8W), thd (0.009%), and mm gain (44 dB).
The KRC-HR's thd is 0.010% against the Renaissance Mk V's 0.009%, its output voltage 14.0V RMS against 8.0V RMS, its output impedance 5Ω against 150Ω, and its input impedance 47000Ω against 100000Ω.
The Marconi II's thd is 0.010% against the Renaissance Mk V's 0.009%, its output voltage 12.0V RMS against 8.0V RMS, its output impedance 0.1Ω against 150Ω, and its input sensitivity 0.1V RMS against 1.0V RMS.
The C500's mm gain is 40.5 dB against the Renaissance Mk V's 44 dB, its thd 0.050% against 0.009%, its mc gain 53.5 dB against 62 dB, and its output voltage 10.0V RMS against 8.0V RMS.
Conrad Johnson GAT
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