Item #148607

Info: VAC PA90c & PE-1 -

Asking Price: $3650.00 Category: Amplifiers Date Posted: Nov 04, 2009 08:09:38 PM More Info Added on: Nov 21, 2009 05:38:15 AM* Updated! About Seller: Add to My Hotlist Username: larry Scarborough, ON Canada [other classified ads] Canuck Audio Mart: User Feedback   : 24

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Description

Another try, a pending deal on the other site fell through and I am re-listing the amp at very favourable price. I will post pics tomorrow.

Here goes

Up for sale or trade is PAC90c with the VAC energy module PE-1
The latter item very rarely seen on the used market in Canada or the States
Weight 160 lbs for the 6 pieces. Original list price in American dollars for the combination $8990.00.

I spoke with Kevin Hayes regarding the energy module and verified that indeed there few made and the two modules with a bank of 15 caps per monoblock sold originally for 2000. In addition there is the VAC meter that compliments the system and necessary for proper biasing. I have the original boxes. A manual for the amps can be obtained online from VAC.

The amps themselves are cosmetically 7/10 for age, the modules are very close to a 9. .
There are no functional flaws. Takes either EL34 or KT77 tubes. The input tubes are NOS brimars. In triode (with EL34), the amp puts out 45 watts and in ultralinear close to 100 watts.

The amps were serviced approximately a year ago by Dan Santoni. He replaced all worn parts. Later I had the power connectors replaced with custom cardas cables.

Currently the average used price without the PE-1 is 3020, and the last price is 3200 in Oct, 2009. There is one posted on the American site for 2300 – but he will not ship the amps.

Asking price I am firm at 3999 in trades or 3650 cash.
I will consider a partial trade (with the exception of cables or another amp).

Currently I have 2 quads of very rare NOS mullard KT77 tubes in the amps now. If you want the best - I am happy to sell you these at a very good price (I paid 1600 for them about 1.5 years ago). Otherwise you will get the stock KT77 that retailed for 40 per tube when new. Meet my cash price and the expensive Brimars are included.

These are outstanding amps. My previous amps were KR kronzilla DM monoblocks and when I went to VAC’s I never missed the very expensive KRs for a moment. But I ramble, so do give me an email if you are serious about making an offer.

Larry / Scarborough

For your reading,

In Arthur Salvatore’s recommended list (highend audio)where he states,

VAC PA-90C (TRIODE)
The VAC is excellent amplifier that can be switched from pentode to triode. This Reference designation assumes it is in triode operation. The VAC is similar in basic sound to the Atma-sphere and JA-80. It gives up a little in midrange purity to the (lower) Class B models (where it was originally listed), but it is still outstanding from top to bottom and it can drive a wide range of speakers.
While it is possible to improve the stock VAC, it doesn’t require any "extensive" modifications. VAC has made a wide variety of excellent amplifiers for years; but these are the best value we have heard from them when considering the combination of cost (used only), power, build quality and overall sonic performance.

From Stereophile, the amp received an A rating (April, 1994) where it was described, “its holographic imaging ability in triode mode is astonishing. DO reports on the superbly made two box tube monoblock. Its levels of transparency, spatial resolution, and dynamic shading combine for a much more convincing illustration of live music. ST was too impressed by the sound of these amplifiers … Such midrange, such detail … a realism that was positively breathtaking he gushed., though he felt that it only fair to point out a overall lack of dynamics. ST agrees with DO the triode mode is the way to go, noting that the almost unobtainable KT77 output tube gets the best from this amp. Output power is 45 triode. 90 watt ultralinear. An earlier version was reviewed, auditioning of current samples confirm the rating. (Vol. 14 Nos 9 and 11.)

Images

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