802D paired with VAC Phi Beta 110i?

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  • Gremal
    Senior Member
    • Apr 2007
    • 195
    #1

    802D paired with VAC Phi Beta 110i?

    I recently found an opportunity to trade up my amplification to the VAC Phi Beta 110i, which I've been lusting after for the past few years. Of course I HAD to pull the trigger on the deal. I'm wondering if anyone has had the opportunity to hear the 802D hooked up to the Phi Beta. I will have plenty of opportunity soon enough!

    ;x(

    Integrated 7.1 HT and Two-Channel System
    Pioneer KRP-600M | VAC Phi Beta 110i | to be determined front end
    B&W 802D | B&W HTM1D | B&W ASW-825 | B&W N805 | B&W SCM1
    VPI Scout | Oppo BDP-95 | Tivo Series 3 | Integra DTC-9.8
    Audio Refinement Multi-5 | PS Audio Premier | Goertz and Electra Glide cables
    Tags: None
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    • Gremal
      Senior Member
      • Apr 2007
      • 195
      #2
      In case anyone's interested, I finally have this amazing amp set up and driving the 802Ds. The new cables are still running in, so I expect some changes as I go, but overall a clear champion of micro/macro detail, speed and slam. Very musical, yet analytical with no smearing across the dynamic range--by that I mean the bass seems just as "fast" as the treble and midrange. I consider the Phi Beta 110i a fantastic match with the 802D. I'm a happy camper.

      Of interest on the HT end, the cinema function of the amp allows you to select either "set" or "variable". The "set" of course allows the external preamp to control the volume completely, whereas the other setting allows minor changes in volume level. I find the "variable" setting useful in changing on the fly the L/R level in multichannel mixes where, for whatever reason, the center is too dominant. Some mixes are like that.

      Overall, just an excellent amp, excellent design, functionality and above all, SOUND.
      Integrated 7.1 HT and Two-Channel System
      Pioneer KRP-600M | VAC Phi Beta 110i | to be determined front end
      B&W 802D | B&W HTM1D | B&W ASW-825 | B&W N805 | B&W SCM1
      VPI Scout | Oppo BDP-95 | Tivo Series 3 | Integra DTC-9.8
      Audio Refinement Multi-5 | PS Audio Premier | Goertz and Electra Glide cables
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        • wettou
          Ultra Senior Member
          • May 2006
          • 3398
          #3
          Originally posted by Gremal

          Nice very cool looking how are the specs and price!!
          Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower
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            • Gremal
              Senior Member
              • Apr 2007
              • 195
              #4
              Thanks wettou. Here are more pics, although they don't do the amp justice. It looks like it belongs in a museum. The first pic shows the separate power supply.







              As for the specs, I tried to find them but they are not on VAC's website anymore.The company no longer makes the integrated amp, but the MSRP was $19,000.
              Integrated 7.1 HT and Two-Channel System
              Pioneer KRP-600M | VAC Phi Beta 110i | to be determined front end
              B&W 802D | B&W HTM1D | B&W ASW-825 | B&W N805 | B&W SCM1
              VPI Scout | Oppo BDP-95 | Tivo Series 3 | Integra DTC-9.8
              Audio Refinement Multi-5 | PS Audio Premier | Goertz and Electra Glide cables
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                • Ken49r
                  Senior Member
                  • Dec 2007
                  • 312
                  #5
                  Very nice looking piece Gremal. What did it replace....tube or SS?
                  I have been debating on upgrading amp or preamp 1st in my system. Nice to hear the amp makes a significant improvement and I may go the same route.

                  Congrats.
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                    • Gremal
                      Senior Member
                      • Apr 2007
                      • 195
                      #6
                      It replaces a different VAC tube amp used for my front L/R. I think you would greatly enjoy tubed gear, Ken. As I'm sure you know, more important than tube vs SS is the attention to detail in the design of the amp. As far as that goes, the Phi Beta 110i is the most impressive amp I've experienced.
                      Integrated 7.1 HT and Two-Channel System
                      Pioneer KRP-600M | VAC Phi Beta 110i | to be determined front end
                      B&W 802D | B&W HTM1D | B&W ASW-825 | B&W N805 | B&W SCM1
                      VPI Scout | Oppo BDP-95 | Tivo Series 3 | Integra DTC-9.8
                      Audio Refinement Multi-5 | PS Audio Premier | Goertz and Electra Glide cables
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                        • wettou
                          Ultra Senior Member
                          • May 2006
                          • 3398
                          #7
                          Originally posted by Gremal
                          The company no longer makes the integrated amp, but the MSRP was $19,000.
                          Whoa at this price I hopes it sounds amazing just a bit out of my budget.
                          Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower
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