VAC Renaissance Signature Preamplifier Mk II Operation & Maintenance Information Valve Amplification Company Manual issued 8/20/2002 Revised 08/09/2006, 07/12/2007
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 VERY HEAVY.
INTRODUCTION The Renaissance Signature Preamplifier is the world’s finest audio preamplifier and an absolutely unique component. Its unusual topology, premium parts, and flexibility make it 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. This is a stark contrast to normal preamplifiers, which claim a low output impedance but completely collapse when asked to deliver current.
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) There are five line inputs. Three pairs (L1, L2, L3) have RCA jacks to accommodate unbalanced line level sources. The other two inputs (L4, L5) can accept either RCA unbalanced or XLR balanced sources; by each of these sets of jacks is a toggle switch that must be set to the correct mode. Note: not all sources with XLR connectors are balanced. Many are unbalanced, with pin 2 or pin 3 tied to ground. The Signature Preamplifier accepts such sources, as well as true balanced sources.
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 GROUND switch must be set correctly for the output configuration being used.
OPERATION Before turning the power switch to the “on” position, mute the unit by moving the “Mute” switch to its clockwise (i.e., muted) position. You might also want to turn the “Volume” control fully counterclockwise. Mute is automatically engaged when switching on the unit. The mute state is indicated by the VAC logo being illuminated in red. When un-muted, the logo will be blue. (Note: the logo illumination may be set for bright, dim, or off via the rear panel switch.
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS Although most of the front panel controls (Volume, Power, Mute) are self explanatory, VAC has outfitted this unit with several advanced features which bear further description: Phono Section: When fitted, input “PHONO" is connected to a discrete, pure tube phono preamplifier, providing 44 dB of gain, suitable for use with MM (moving magnet) and many high-output MC (moving coil) cartridges.
REMOTE CONTROL The remote control allows for wireless adjustment of 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. Mute: Pressing either side of the “Mute” button will toggle between the “Mute” and “Operate” condition.
REPLACEMENT OF TUBES Refer to the figure (below) for the location and types of tubes.
CARE OF CHASSIS VAC chassis are machined aluminum for superior electromagnetic performance, and finished in durable textured gloss paint. Cleaning with a damp cloth WHILE THE AMP IS SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED should suffice. Do not get cleaning solutions onto or into the connectors or controls. When shipping your unit, be certain to wrap the amplifier in the cloth, tissue or plastic wrap in which it was originally packaged.
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 two (2) years (tubes excepted). It is the responsibility of the dealer and customer to determine suitability of this unit for a particular application.
