Pre Amplifier
The Renaissance Mk V Preamplifier replaces the earlier Mk III, and is completely new in circuit, chassis materials, and appearance. In fact, it has more in common with the VAC Statement Series than the prior Renaissance generation.
Renaissance Mk V
The line stage circuit is the same transformer- coupled Class A1 balanced triode design found in the Statement Line Stage. The external power supply has dual-mono recti cation and ltering of the crucial high voltage supplies for superb, spacious imaging and great preservation of nuance. The remote volume control is of the direct-acting analogue type and continuously variable, so you easily can the precise level that makes the music snap into focus.
The audio connectors are premium rhodium plated Cardas and Neutrik Professional. There are three high level inputs, two of which may be balanced or single-ended, just like the output.
Vinyl lovers may specify the optional MM MC phono stage, which features three twin triodes operating in pure Class A1, variable MC impedance loading, and purely passive, precise RIAA equalization. The circuit topology is derived from the Signature Mk IIa SE, di ering principally in the number of tubes employed, and uses the same premium MC input transformers. The results rival and exceed those delivered by many more costly separate phono stages. You should expect nothing less of a VAC.
Gain
10 dB
Frequency Response
Flat over audio band
–3 dB bandwidth 5 Hz – 210 kHz
Inputs
2 sets balanced/RCA selectable inputs
Optional 1 MM and 1 MC (or additional RCA line input if phono is not fitted)
Outputs
1 set RCA
1 set balance XLR (EIA “pin 2 hot” studio standard)
Tubes
2x 7308, 6922, E88CC, ECC88, or 6DJ8 twin triodes
Absolute Phase Correct from all inputs to all outputs 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 Voltage
May be factory configured for operation at 100, 120, 220, or 230/240 volts
Power Cord
Detachable power cord, standard IEC power receptacle
Remote Control
included
Illumination
Illuminated logo may be switched to bright, dim, or 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): 4" x 18" x 16"
Power supply (not including connectors): 4.3" x 6" x 13"
Shipping Weight
44 lbs.
Optional Phono Stage Technical Specifications
Tubes
3x 12AX7
Gain
44 dB MM
62 or 68 dB MC (switchable on units made after September 1, 2017)
Frequency Response
RIAA standard +/- 0.2 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
-3 dB bandwidth 10 Hz - • 80 kHz
Channel Separation
> 77 dB @ 1 kHz
MC Load Impedance selectable, 470, 300, 250, 200, 150, and 100 ohms Overload
117MV @ 1kHz = 8 volts RMS output; 460MV @ 10kHz
Residual Noise Less than 3MV at output (s/n ratio greater than approx. 69db) *Specifications subject to change without notice.
ReviewsLegendary Performance Award
Blue Note Award
“For serious music lovers living at the cutting edge of what is possible.”
Ron Nagle - Enjoy The Music, May 2017
“The Renaissance’s gift for letting recorded music flow with natural dynamic presence and freedom (and inflecting that energy into the acoustic spaces on recordings that offered such ambient information) brought special joy to the challenging area of capturing accurately the range of sounds produced from a piano (an instrument with the widest dynamic span) as well as with music that thundered with lower midrange and bass heavy pulses.”
- Boston Concert Reviews, March 2, 2017
Most Wanted Components Award
“I have rarely been captured by a piece of equipment, especially when I first plug it in, as I was with this preamp... It was almost like being right there in the club or venue and having this intrinsic conversation with the band or the singer... The Renaissance Mk V returned to me, a greater appreciation for music, and reawakened and enjoyment of all things analog.”
Michael Wright - Stereo Times, 2017
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