VAC Signature MkII SE

VAC Renaissance Signature ll SE PreAmp with phono (Current LP - $26,000) with the following:
• VAC Signature mkII purchased new from authorized dealer in Dec. 2010.
• Sent into VAC for SE upgrade in Feb 2016 @ a cost of $3,500. Input transformers were upgraded to the same ones used in their MASTER and Statement preamps. Tape Loop was removed (like on all current units), also volume control circuitry redone to match that in Master series (less influence on Freq Response with volume settings). Chassis is aircraft aluminum screwed together which is heavier and more rigid then the lighter welded metal used in current production.
• SE - (Special Edition) Input Transformers utilized in VAC Statement & Master Pre-Amps.
• Phono Stage with (68) db. gain for Low Output Moving Coil Cartridges
• Had very thorough check out of the both chasiss and cleaning in August 2020. All tubes were replaced with VAC selected matched and low noise tubes. They have burned them in about 150 hours. Sound will continue to get better until about 250 hours. (6) 12 AX7 & (2) 6DJ8
• All connectors, switches and controls treated with Cramolin (significantly improves sound).
• Works perfectly, sounds like new. According to VAC, this SE upgraded Signature II sounds within 1% of their newest “a” version.
• Control Unit & Power Supply have High Gloss Black with Gold Flake Front with Gold Knobs, I think it is beautiful.
• Power Supply Unit with Dual Meters (Audio Supply & Heater Supply)
• Shunyata Research Upgraded Feet for Control Unit (Spikes) & Power Supply
• Upgraded 1-Meter Power cord (Custom Power Cord Company)
• Hi-Fi Man upgraded fuse

Quotes from Stereophile Review:
• Huge soundstage that produces illusion of live musicians playing in actual space.
• Crystal clarity extends throughout audio band & soundstage allowing you to hear deeper into performance. Organic natural sound makes you want to keep listening.
• Levels of detail resolution, ambience retrieval, air & low level dynamics that are nearly indistinguishable from a live performance.
• Lightning fast articulation of transients with no sharpness & no dulling @ frequency extremes.
• Detailed, revealing extended, uncolored reprod

Review of Signature SE (current model does not have meters): https://www.stereophile.com/content/valve-amplification-company-signature-se-preamplifier

Quotes from Positive Feedback review:
Incredible ability to really dig deep and rediscover the most complex of harmonic structures and inner detail.

A natural purity and sweeping sonic beauty at all frequencies that will have you leaning in and yearning for more. Harmonics, harmonics, and more harmonics!

Macro and micro dynamics were startling. Mids were absolutely to die for

The phono section is an over-achiever, but that is a total understatement, as this out performs everything I have experienced in my listening room under $10,000.

There is a magic that can sometimes be overwhelming. If the master tapes are better, it would be hard to imagine.This phono stage really delivers!

Review of current Signature mkIIa SE: https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/valve-amplification-corporation-signature-mk-iia-se-line-stage/

This preamplifier is in excellent condition with no visible marks on either front panel or remote. Sides are clean, minor smudge from equipment feet on preamp top (see pics).

It comes with original box, packing and manual.

The preamp and power supply will be shipped in one box, which is 24” long x 24” wide x 19” high. Shipping weight is 82lb. FedEx Ground should be cheapest way to ship. If cost is less than the flat rate quoted, will go with the lower cost.

Payment by wire transfer is preferred, but cashier’s check or PayPal are OK, although I will wait for a cashier’s check to clear and any payment through PayPal will be increased by the applicable PayPal fee.

I am selling this for a friend who has not posted before.