The VAC Renaissance Mk II Master Control Triode Preamplifier Operation & Maintenance Information Valve Amplification Company Manual revised 06/22/2004
CAUTION THE PREAMPLIFIER AND POWER SUPPLY CONTAIN NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS. DO NOT REMOVE THE BOTTOM PLATES OR CHASSIS COVERS. LETHAL VOLTAGES ARE PRESENT WITHIN THE CHASSIS. DO NOT OPERATE THE UNITS IF THEY ARE WET. VACUUM TUBES BECOME HOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE SERIOUS BURNS. NEVER TOUCH A TUBE WHEN THE UNIT IS ON. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES FOR THE TUBES TO COOL DOWN AFTER THE UNIT IS SWITCHED OFF. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT THE TUBE COVERS BE LEFT IN PLACE AT ALL TIMES.
INTRODUCTION The Renaissance Mk II Preamplifier utilizes the world's finest audio preamplifier circuit and is a unique component. Its unusual topology, premium parts, and flexibility make it a pleasure to hear and operate. The line stage is, in effect, a small Class A1 power amplifier, capable of driving loads as low as a few hundred ohms. This is a stark contrast to normal preamplifiers, which claim a low output impedance but completely collapse when asked to deliver current.
UNPACKING & ASSEMBLY The Renaissance Mk II is shipped with the vacuum tubes installed. Connect the DC cable from the power supply. Tighten the two retaining screws. NOTE: Do not plug the power supply into the wall outlet unless it is connected to the audio chassis. Connect the iVAC data communications cable to an associated Phi Power Amplifier if appropriate. This allows the preamplifier to control power on, power off, and logo illumination intensity.
INSTALLATION 1) Provide adequate ventilation. 2) Do not operate on carpet or any other surface that might block air flow. 3) The chassis will become warm in normal use. 4) Do not allow the chassis to touch any metal parts, such as the frame of an equipment rack. This might create a parallel ground path that could degrade the sound.
INPUTS (back panel) Five pairs of RCA jacks accommodate unbalanced line level sources. These are labeled "IN1" through "IN5". "IN4" and "IN5" can also accept balanced XLR signals - please set the associated back panel switches accordingly. If phono is not fitted, "IN6" can accept a line level signal via RCA jacks. Note: not all sources with XLR connectors are balanced. Many are unbalanced, with pin 2 or pin 3 tied to ground. The Renaissance Mk II Preamplifier accepts such sources.
OPERATION Turn the "Volume" control fully counterclockwise. Mute is automatically engaged when switching on the unit. Allow the preamplifier to warm up for a minute before you un-mute the unit; failure to wait can cause a transient to be sent through your power amplifier that might cause damage to your loudspeakers. As with all high fidelity products, the sound characteristic of the VAC changes somewhat as it warms up. Best sound will be achieved after about 15 minutes of operation.
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS Although most of the front panel controls (Volume, Power, Mute) are self explanatory, VAC has outfitted this unit with several advanced features which bear further description: Mute: Toggles between the "Mute" and "Operate" condition. When muted, the indicator light is illuminated. Power: Turns the unit off and on. Phono: Selects between the MM and MC inputs.
the source component. This is useful when the Renaissance Mk II is being used as an element of a multichannel or home theater system, with the level of all 5.1 channels being set by the player or the decoder. Note: The Tape Monitor takes the same setting as the source input. For example, if the SELECTOR is on input #1 and #1 is set up in a FIXED mode, when you engage the TAPE monitor it will also be in the FIXED mode, and the VOLUME control will not change the sound level.
REMOTE CONTROL The remote control allows for wireless adjustment of POWER, SELECTOR, TAPE MONITOR, CINEMA, MUTE, and VOLUME. The remote wand is powered by two "AAA" batteries. These should be of the alkaline type. You will need to install them in the wand before using the remote. Since batteries can leak, they should be removed from the wand if it is not going to be used for an extended period of time. To install or change batteries, first loosen the screw on the back of the remote.
CARE OF CHASSIS VAC chassis are machined aluminum for superior electromagnetic performance. The main chassis is finished in a durable clear coat over color powder coat paint. The fascia is finished in hand rubbed lacquer (similar to a fine automobile). The power supply chassis is finished in durable textured gloss paint. Cleaning the units with a damp cloth WHILE THE AMP IS SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED should suffice. Do not get cleaning solutions onto or into the tube sockets.
Tube Placement Renaissance Mk II Preamplifier Note: disconnect all cables and wait 15 minutes before removing the top. Reinstall the top before reconnecting any cables. 8416 8416 12AX7 Low noise 12AX7 12AX7 12AX7 Phono Line stage Lethal voltages exist inside the chassis. Follow all of safety procedures and precautions detailed in the owner’s manual when changing tubes.
TIPS & ADVICE SECTION A Word About Tubes in General It is true that each brand of tube sounds different in a particular high resolution circuit. This is because no two manufacturers make a tube type in quite the same way, and the central tendencies of the performance parameters will differ slightly with each maker. To emphasize the point, examine the plate structure of any two 6SN7 from different manufacturers will probably find that they may not even the same shape and size.
WARRANTY Your equipment is warranted for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. In addition, if the registration form is received by VAC along with a copy of your sales receipt from an authorized VAC dealer within this thirty days, a service contract will be extended to cover your equipment for three (3) years (tubes excepted). This warranty applies only to units sold in the United States of America through authorized VAC dealers. It covers factory service and standard return shipping.
