PAF 2023

VAC + Von Schweikert = Wow!

Jason Victor Serinus  |  Jun 27, 2023

Once again, VAC paired four of its amplifiers with Von Schweikert loudspeakers in a huge room sponsored by The Audio Company. Distinguished by sophisticated lighting design and fabulous sound, this system, which can fill rooms far larger than the Dutch & Dutch 8cs that so impressed me at PAF, vied with them for my personal Best of Show.

(Re: Best. Not only did I visit considerably less than half the active rooms at the show, but Brian Damkroger and I also did our best to avoid duplicate coverage of systems Stereophile covered at previous shows in 2023. In case of VAC and Von Schweikert, however, different speakers and cabling than I encountered at T.H.E. Show plus the promise of good sound made a visit irresistible.)


Von Schweikert's Leif Swanson (left) and VAC's Kevin Hayes (right)

On display were Von Schweikert Audio Ultra 7 loudspeakers ($180,000/pair) with two VSA Shockwave V12XS subwoofers ($16,500/each) "used as room compensation/active bass trap." Bad me for not asking for an explanation at the end of a long day. VAC provided four Master 300 Amplifiers ($42,000/each) that were released in November 2022, a Statement line stage ($80,000), and Statement phono stage ($80,000). Thrown in a Kronos Pro turntable with Black Beauty tonearm and Ultracap power supply ($60,000) with a Hana Umami Red cartridge ($3995), an Aurender W20 SE ($23,000) and Esoteric K-01xD CD/SACD player/DAC ($24,000), and Masterbuilt Ultra cabling, and there goes your trust fund or inheritance.

The Master 300s can use eight KT-88 tubes, which VAC supplies because they feel they sound the best with the largest range of speakers, or KT-90, 99, 120,150 and 170. That's another way of saying that one size may fit all, but another size may better fit one.

First up, a 24/96 file of "Chocolate Chip Trip" from Tool. The system moved quite fast, and filled the large space like no other system I encountered in the hotel. Soundstaging was equally fabulous on a Red Book file of Rickie Lee Jones's delightful "Date Dere" from her Pop Pop album. I regret that I didn't have sufficient time to hear analog.

COMMENTS
curbfeeler's picture
Submitted by curbfeeler on July 1, 2023 - 11:41am

Kevin was a most accommodating host for his brand. When I visited the room initially there were a couple of blowhards describing their own systems loudly in the room, totally disrespectful of others in attendance who wanted to hear what this magical system was capable of doing. He suggested I return at a quieter time. When I did so I had with me a long sought copy of the M&K Realtime issue of Earl "Fatha" Hines. Kevin cued it up and bliss ensued. This system was best of show. Other selections presented while I was there revealed microdynamics, tonal density, a sense of the venue, exquisite timing and total engagement with this listener.

curbfeeler's picture
Submitted by curbfeeler on July 1, 2023 - 11:41am

Kevin was a most accommodating host for his brand. When I visited the room initially there were a couple of blowhards describing their own systems loudly in the room, totally disrespectful of others in attendance who wanted to hear what this magical system was capable of doing. He suggested I return at a quieter time. When I did so I had with me a long sought copy of the M&K Realtime issue of Earl "Fatha" Hines. Kevin cued it up and bliss ensued. This system was best of show. Other selections presented while I was there revealed microdynamics, tonal density, a sense of the venue, exquisite timing and total engagement with this listener.

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