The iQ System
 The VAC iQ System is the result of 18 years of research and development by the engineers at VAC, and represents the first time in history that each tube in the output stage of a vacuum tube amplifier can be held precisely at the optimal bias point (underlying true quiescent current) at all times, regardless of how loudly or softly the music is playing. The result is sound that is always the best it can be, reduced distortion and noise, longer tube life, elimination of gas current ‘run away’ tubes, and increased reliability, all without any effort by the user.

The VAC iQ System also alerts you when a tube is growing weak or has failed. In short, tube drama is a thing of the past.

The Statement Stereo iQ power amp also features newly improved output transformers (56 pounds per unit!) with smoother, more extended frequency response. Various upgrades to the power supply and chassis materials compliment and support the iQ system and circuit refinements. 

Mechanical Design
The overall architecture of the amplifier hassis minimizes the presenta-tion of external vibration. The internal parts are the finest kind, specificallchosen for sound and reliability. We start with 0.25” aircraft aluminum for a rigid basis, and tailor the mounting points and couplings for the desired result. Custom machined feet provide a slight, controlled decoupling of the power supply from the external environment, while the audio chas-sis connects via a tripod of custom designed stainless steel cups and balls, controlling of the flw of vertical energy inputs and dissipating lateral energy inputs. The chassis is finished in a metallic base coat/clear coat finishThe sculptured faceplates must have been made from a solid block of alumi-num — they are 3/8 inch thick with the edges chamfered to about 1/4 inch. Finished in silky gold-speckled black, the faceplates are an almost artistic likeness of the VAC’s sound quality. To guarantee quality, all chassis parts and lacquering are done in-house.

Electrical Design
The hand-wiring approach presented in the Statement 450 far exceeds con-ventional hand wiring and previous three dimensional techniques. Careful architecture and orientation of parts in 3D allows passive control of radiated fields to an unprecedented degree for an audio amplifi. Special consid-eration of the ways in which they interact with the chassis, sensitive circuit points, and each other increases purity and resolution. Between the two chassis, 105 lbs. of custom magnetic transformers contribute to the corre-sponding optimal mass loading. The Statement 450 features a direct-coupled input and driver circuit, extremely fast and vivid sound is achieved from both single-ended and balanced sources

VAC’s Very High Speed Parallel (VHSP)
This technique uses fast, lithe devices in an analogue parallel processing configuation that allows the speed and control required to preserve delicacy and natural sound.

The Very Low Impedance Driver (VLID)
This circuit gains much greater control over the transfer function achieved in the output stage, improving linearity and increasing headroom. There is pal-pably more control, greater subjective power per watt, and increased detail.

Power Supply
The external power supply also uses custom transformers, wound in the USA; there are no lightweight off-the-shelf magnetics here. The three massive transformers, which power seven separate basic supplies, are isolation mounted in a separate shielded segment of the power supply chassis and potted in place with a special material to ensure low mechanical noise and vibration.

*Specifications subject to change without notice.