VAC Renaissance Preamplifier Operation & Maintenance Information Valve Amplification Company Manual issued 02/21/2001
CAUTION THE POWER SUPPLY UNITS CONTAIN NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS. DO NOT REMOVE THE COVERS. LETHAL VOLTAGES ARE PRESENT WITHIN THE CHASSIS. NEVER OPERATE THE PREAMPLIFIER WITH THE AUDIO CHASSIS COVERS REMOVED. BEFORE OPENING TO CHANGE TUBES, DISCONNECT THE PREAMPLIFIER FROM POWER AND ALL OTHER COMPONENTS, AND ALLOW IT TO SIT TURNED OFF FOR 30 MINUTES. DO NOT OPERATE THE UNITS IF THEY ARE WET. THE PREAMPLIFIER AND POWER SUPPLY UNITS ARE HEAVY.
INTRODUCTION The Renaissance Preamplifier is among the world’s finest audio preamplifiers, second only to the VAC Renaissance Signature Preamplifier. Sharing similar circuit designs, they are absolutely unique components. Unusual topology, premium parts, and flexibility make them a pleasure to hear and operate. The line stage is, in effect, a small Class A1 power amplifier, capable of driving loads as low as a few hundred ohms.
INSTALLATION 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) Provide adequate ventilation. Do not operate on carpet or any other surface that might block air flow. The chassis will become warm in normal use. Do not allow the chassis to touch any metal parts, such as the frame of an equipment rack. This might create a parallel ground path that could degrade the sound of your system. Input connection is via single ended RCA jacks or XLR jacks (which can be from balanced or unbalanced sources).
INPUTS (back panel) Three pairs of RCA jacks accommodate unbalanced line level sources. These correspond to SELECTOR positions “L1" through “L3". Two inputs, designated “L4" and “L5" may be either RCA unbalanced or XLR balanced. Each input has a corresponding configuration switch adjacent to it on the rear panel; set this switch to match the input you intend to use (set to “SE” for RCA inputs or unbalanced XLR with pin 3 grounded, set to “BAL” for XLR balanced).
OUTPUTS & GROUNDING SWITCH (back panel) One pair of RCA jacks provide line level output to a tape recorder. The level of signal is not adjusted by the volume control. Two sets of RCA output jacks are provided as main outputs to power amplifiers. In addition, one pair of XLR jacks can be used to drive a power amplifier. The OUTPUT GROUND switch must be set correctly for the output configuration being used.
Please note that although your VAC System has been run for 48 hours at the factory, it will continue to "break in" for a few hundred hours. Also be aware that many components display the need for a new break in period after being transported in unheated cargo aircraft.
REMOTE CONTROL The remote control allows for wireless adjustment of SELECTOR, MUTE, and VOLUME. The remote wand is powered by two “AAA” batteries. These should be of the alkaline type. You will need to install them in the wand before using the remote. Since batteries can leak, they should be removed from the wand if it is not going to be used for an extended period of time. Selector Up/Down: Pressing the left side of this button causes a motor to turn the selector switch in the counter-clockwise direction.
REPLACEMENT OF TUBES The line stage tubes are type 8416. The phono stage tubes are type 12AX7, also known as 12AX7A, 7025, CV4004, ECC83, and E83CC. Do not use the 5751, which some suppliers may suggest. We recommend that you use only tubes specifically selected and tested by VAC for this preamplifier. DANGEROUS VOLTAGES EXIST WITH THIS COMPONENT. YOU MUST FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR SAFETY. Before replacing tubes, all power must be turned off.
WARRANTY Your equipment is warranted for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. In addition, if the registration form is received by VAC along with a copy of your sales receipt from an authorized VAC dealer within this thirty days, a service contract will be extended to cover your equipment for three (3) years (tubes excepted). This warranty applies only to units sold in the United States of America through authorized VAC dealers and operated in the United States.
