VAC Statement 450s

Master Preamplifier

As in the Statement Line Stage, the volume control is a massive custom-made, multisection, 2.2 kg brass volume control with internal brass shielding. Remote-control capability is implemented via a VAC-designed motor drive system, which allows continuous control of infinite resolution.

All of the hand-wired Class A1 audio circuits are carried on machined, mass-loading plates, which are decoupled from the main chassis.

This projects solidity in detail and imaging while reducing microphony to infinitesimal levels. You’ll find the “naked” z-foil resistors and premium transformers from the Statement Line Stage.

When the Master Preamplifier is equipped with the internal phono option, a separate, dedicated power transformer and DC umbilical cable is added to the power supply, ensuring complete isolation between it and the line section. In essence, it is an external phono stage that just happens to share the chassis, which, in turn, allows a superior control over the ground signal reference that is crucial to conveying signal detail. You’ll also find the same premium resistors and exotic capacitors employed in the Statement Phono Stage.

The VAC Master Preamplifier outperforms every other preamplifier, with the exception of the VAC Statement models that inspired it.

 

Basic Specifications

Gain

12 dB

Inputs

3 sets RCA line input

2 sets balanced/RCA selectable inputs


1 set balanced/RCA cinema bypass input

Optional 1 MM and 1 MC (or additional line input if phono is not fitted)

Outputs

2 sets RCA

2 sets balanced XLR (EIA “pin 2 hot” studio standard)

Tubes

2x 12AU7

2x 8416, 7308, 6922, E88CC, ECC88, 6DJ8, (or 12DJ8 twin triodes)

Absolute Phase

correct from all inputs to all outputs

Frequency Response

Flat over audio band

–3 dB bandwidth 5 Hz – 210 kHz

THD

<0.009% @ 1 kHz, 1 V RMS

Maximum Output

< 8 V RMS

Output Impedance

> 150 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, static (i.e., not dependent upon feedback)

Maximum Input

Infinite signal (attenuation precedes the gain circuitry)

Recommended Output Load

> 300 ohms

Power

External power supply, detachable umbilical cable, detachable IEC power cord

Unity gain from selector, non-inverting for archival integrity

Cinema Bypass

Yes

Voltage

May be factory configured for operation at 100, 120, 220, or 230/240 volts

Remote Control

included

Illumination

Illuminated logo may be switched off

Finish

Hand-rubbed gold-flake gloss black lacquer with chrome knobs standard.

Hand-rubbed metallic gloss silver lacquer with chrome knobs special order with additional cost.

Warranty

Two years parts and labor, excluding tubes (USA, see manual for full details)

Dimensions (H x W x D)

Audio chassis (not including knobs and connectors): 5.5" x 18" x 14.5" (14 cm x 45.7 cm x 36.8 cm)

Power supply (not including connectors): 4.3" x 18" x 14.5" (10.9 cm x 45.7 cm x 36.8 cm)

Shipping Weight

With phono: 75 lbs. (27.7 kg.)

Optional Phono Stage Technical Specifications

Tubes

6x 12AX7

Gain

44 dB MM

64 dB MC

Frequency Response

RIAA standard +/- 0.2 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)

-3 dB bandwidth 10 Hz - • 80 kHz

Channel Seperation

> 80 dB @ 1 kHz

Maximum Input

> 130 mv @ 1 kHz, MM

> 13 mv, MC

MC Load Impedance

selectable, 470, 300, 250, 200, 150, and 100 ohms

MM Load Impedance

selectable, 47k, 30k, 25k, 15k, and 10k ohms

Overload

117MV @ 1kHz = 8 volts RMS output; 460MV @ 10kHz

Residual Noise

Less than 3MV at output (s/n ratio greater than approx. 69db)