Valve Amplification Company Auricle Musicbloc

The VAC (Valve Amplification Company) Auricle™ Musicbloc™ (MB-70) are remarkable mono blocks based on the VAC Phi circuitry. Introduced when Kevin Hayes found a way to make a KT-88 based circuit sound better than his prior efforts with the venerable 300B tube, these 70 watt per channel gems use two KT-88's and two 12AU7's per amp and are incredibly musical and dynamic with enough power and control to drive most speakers. They were designed to get the clarity of 300B amps with the power and authority of KT88s. These can use KT88, KT90, or KT120 as output tubes.

Some information from VAC on these amps: “The Auricle's powerful amplifier circuit is adapted from VAC's premium Phi™ 110/110 model. Two KT88 beam power tubes couple optimally through a high quality VAC custom output transformer, providing good output regulation and excellent speaker control. The shielded, choke-based power supply and the use of direct current heaters (even for the large KT88 tubes) ensure exceptionally low noise. The Class A1 direct-coupled triode front end provides superb balance and requires no user adjustment, even when new input tubes are fitted. Output tube bias adjustments are simple and user friendly, using discreet indicator lights at the front of the chassis. Premium parts are used throughout, ensuring both exceptional sound quality and long, trouble-free service. The chassis is machined from aluminum alloy, to avoid the magnetic coupling seen with conventional steel chassis. The thickness and character of the material also provides excellent control of vibration and resonance.” At a mere six inches in width, its compact dimensions allow short lead lengths and tight coupling between parts.

The great thing about these amps are that they are powerful enough to use with insensitive speakers but they are so subtle and quiet they work superbly with very sensitive speakers. The clarity is exceptional, and whilst they have resolution and clarity, they have all the magic with voices and instrumental tone that we look for in valve designs.

Input Impedance is 100K Ohms, which gives most preamps an easy ride, but they are not very sensitive so do like a reasonable amount of gain from the preamp. Biasing is done manually by the easily accessible dials on the front panel. They have taps for 2, 4, and 8 Ohms, which makes them extremely flexible.They are reassuringly weighty, due to very substantial output transformers, but they don't get hot (except for the valves) and they run quiet.

These amps are VERY rare. The Auricles demonstrate all of VAC's well earned signatures: enormous soundstage, gorgeous midrange timbre, standout bass from a tube amp, and reliability. Of course, VAC still services them when anything needs attention.VAC is a helpful company; the designer, Kevin Hayes, is very patient with any questions and an all round good guy.

I am the original owner. I bought these amps in 2005 from a well-known reseller (an industry person who had a relationship with VAC). Since then, the amps have returned to the factory for updates and upgrades. They have consecutive serial numbers. I am selling because I am 74 years old and need to downsize.

There amps were the most expensive equipment that I ever bought. Of course, I was very careful with them. Cosmetically, these amps are in great shape though not perfect. The finish has a lovely metallic flake paint. The metal top plates are good and the lettering shows well. These amps are in excellent condition, with no real blemishes except on small paint chip on an inside corner that seems to have occurred after most of the photos were taken. It is shown in the seventh close-up photo. There are light swirl-marks from routine cleaning.

I have tried to document the exact state of the cosmetics in the photographs. I generally find that photographs reveal more flaws that I would detect with naked eyes. Please inspect the photographs carefully. However, a difficulty photographing these amps is that reflections on their surfaces which can look like blemishes are unavoidable. If you look carefully, you will see me in the reflections as I made the photographs.

Each amp weights 26 lbs and 1 oz. The original shipping boxes are each 21 x 15 x 11 inches and weight 4 lbs and 2.3 oz. An additional box at least 25 x 19 x 15 inches and weighting at least 4 lbs and 7.5 oz will be used to double box the original shipping boxes. So there will be two boxes, each 25 x 19 x 15 inches and weighting 35 lbs.

Buyer will pay shipping and appropriate insurance via UPS or FedEx to Lower US 48. PayPal add 3%.

The amps will be supplied with three sets of KT-88 matched quad output tubes. In the pictures, the amps are shown with a set of matched quads purchased recently from VAC as a premium tube offering and are almost new. A second match quad plus a spare had been purchased from VAC as an extra set in 2005 and are unused. A third set are a match quad plus a spare made by JJ Tesla and are unused.

A further word about my price. I assumed the amps are worth $2500, 50% of original cost. There are 3 sets of KT-88 output tubes sourced from VAC. Two sets have never been used and include a spare. The set I have used has less than a hundred hours on them. A matched quad of KT-88s cost a minimum of $320, $400 for 5 tubes. The tubes from VAC cost more. The tubes are worth about $1000. I am asking $400 or 40% new cost. My asking price started at $2900, but I have since lowered it to $2700.

I checked on UPS shipping to a destination 400 miles away. It came to $220. Paypal costs 3% or about $80. Please expect to pay these costs.

Were I to charge only 40% of original cost of the amps that would be $2000. This would give a minimum charge of $2400 or 40% on amps and tubes plus shipping and any Paypal fees. Offers below this amount will be considered 'low ball' and may not be responded to.