Vinyl's Trials and Tribulations.

[JohnG]

Just when I thought I was content and not in need of doing much more, to get the best from my Vinyl System.
I'm thinking the the Mr Nixie DIGNA, will be a hard fight to get me to let it go.
It just sings to me with a Sirens Lure, and all the tries from others to distract me to date, are not winning me over.
I've even dropped the DIGNA off at a Bake Off, that I could not attend. It fought its corner admirably and the comments returned about it was to me very pleasing.
Then a 'shot across the bow' is delivered my way, it has weight, as I know the person well doing the delivering, as well as the the original VAS Phonostage the new reports are being compared against. I know the original VAS phonostage very well and have heard it many times, as well as trialed it in my system against the DIGNA.
The prototype VAS II Phonostage is now working and functioning in a system.
I have been summonsed to attend a audition, the DIGNA will go to.
Will this be the model that is affordable and available to really make me re-evaluate the DIGNA, I hope not,
but I know the person very well who is feeding me the reports on the performance, I trust their evaluations and their listening experiences.
It seems this reworking of the VAS, now as I am referring to it as the VAS II, is producing a performance that is a measured improvement to the model I know very well.
I can't wait to hear it, I can't wait to see it in a dedicated casing and being trialed in my system.
I believe it will do exceptionally good things, and would love to get it performing at a
Yorkshire HiFi Club Bake Off. At present in my little world, this is in my mind, the only place to get into the arena and contend, to do so takes real bravery

[Bigman80]

That VAS phonostage was a real delight at the Penkridge bakeoff. Sure the venue wasn't perfect but it has remained firmly planted in my mind as a superb sounding phonostage.

What I'd like to know John, where are all the details of this phonostage? Where's the publicity in the form of forum entry's and pictures?

I'm a big fan of the VAS phonostage and have been talking to Nikolay of NVKAUDIO about his DACs.

Where are the threads!!!!!

I think the VAS will be in your system soon enough mate. A DIGNA in the classifieds.

[JohnG]

I don't think it is for me to speak of the VAS II in any other context than I have.
I do not know the future for it apart from two models are being produced at present.
My point in relation to the VAS II, that's my term for it, and that could be a wrong title.
Is that I know the VAS Predecessor very well, I know how others have responded positively to the VAS predecessor as well, so on this forum, there are some who have a familiarity with the device, so the post has a relevance.

I am happy with my lot, the DIGNA has been very inspirational for me, it has been trialed/compared and not forgotten by others who have heard it.
I have used the DIGNA side by side the VAS in my system, and the outcome was the DIGNA remained and I am not feeling the need for change.
I have been itching to get the DIGNA to the Yorkshire HiFi Club Bake Off, it was on this weekend but unfortunately postponed. Hopefully it will be held very soon. The Phonostages placed in the higher priced bracket that I have heard at this event, have been in my mind the Ultimate. To have a measure against these is a real treat. 'If' I walked away feeling I was getting three/fifths of the performance for a tenth of the retail price,
then what a journey home that will be.
The DIGNA has more time behind it now, so is further run in and this is noticeable.
As a further experience, I am still to tube roll, and try the circuit tweak which allows for the use of different valves as a result.
When a report comes in that a Phonostage design, VAS II, based closely around the VAS, is now operational and offering a performance that I should hear. Then I am all up for it and will have the DIGNA at hand as well.
I thought I had put the VAS thing to bed, and could listen to it each time I made a change in my vinyl set up.
with the latest supplied information, and the positive content being relayed.
I am knocked of the content perch, restless once more and eager to get involved, hence the title of the thread.

[JohnG]

As the VAS Phonostage has just recently been recommended in a different thread, as a worthy investigation to be considered as a purchase.
I have discussed with Stoyan from Audio Pills, about his intention for the VAS model that he is working on, with the intent to produce a new upgraded model.
Firstly, the VAS as being spoke about in the other thread is no longer available.
Stoyan has been in talks with the VAS designer about introducing a model for the UK, but it was beyond the capacity of the VAS designer, due to overwhelming work loads to meet this request.
The outcome is, Stoyan has been fully endorsed by VAS to produce a phonostage in the UK, that is based closely to the VAS Topology.
Stoyan was forwarded the Schematics and Design Notes, and after working through the original VAS circuitry and with the input of the VAS engineer passing on his further ideas he had for the VAS, there is a working prototype in use at the moment.
This 'new designed model', has already got some coverage on a Overseas Forum, it is being referred to as the
"Inspired by VAS" - Produced by Audio Pills Phonostage.
This 'new designed model', is to be made available in limited supply, as it is a hand built model.
The 'new designed model', will be available as a base model, and there will be further options available to a
prospective owner, allowing for a custom model to suit a personal taste or future requirements. I know one of these are to allow for a choice in valve type.
Stoyan is committed to this design, it is his goal to make a product available that is a real contender and build on the VAS strengths, allowing a vinyl system to show how it can perform beyond its usual capabilities at the time of a audition, at a purchase price that will be in a affordable bracket.
I have asked Stoyan of Audio Pills to get more active in communication about this product, as he is such a 'man cave dweller' with projects to build type of person.
Maybe a few enquiring PM's might bring him to his computer more often.

[JohnG]

An Update on Audio Pills VAS Phonostage.

I have been in communication with Stoyan on a weekly/Bi Weekly basis since my last visit to assess the
'what I call the VAS II ' Phonostage.
I have been informed verbally of the evolving development of the new phonostage model with the redesigned Power Supply.
Yesterday/Sunday, I took Stoyan up on his offer of a invite to visit him and listen to the VAS II.
I don't think I was ready for the impact the Phonostage was to have on me.
I have supported Stoyan with assessing the performance of his system and his build projects over the past few years, I am familiar with his system and the SQ, as well as how its presence is seamlessly lost in his listening room.
I brought along albums I know very well and albums I know Stoyan likes to hear as well as he has become familiar with them during our meetings.
Usually I go with a Agenda to hear Stoyans work, and then to compare a device to another device to see if there is a obvious perceived difference and offer a assessment of its the value I think there is to be had with a chosen device or recent modification, or simply if I feel he has over emphasized a certain frequency being produced in a replay.
My reaction to my experience yesterday was outside of my usual attitude to offering a evaluation.
From the outset, using a Shure V15 III, I was hearing a presentation that was extremely high quality and the
separation of the performers and instruments in the sound stage were very impressive.
The Shure V15 III was offered to be played through other devices, but I declined the offer, I did not see how this performance could be bettered with the other devices available to be used.
I was more eager to get the 401>Kontrapunkt b, put into use, first with Stoyans choice of the SUT's, that being the AI 800, and then use the Hashimaoto HA-3 SUT as a comparison.
From the outset, the presentation took on a whole new airiness, separation between performers extended and the volume of the performers presence became much more clear in the minds eye.
Bass extended downwards and the most appealing thing to me was there was no bloom, appealing because the speakers are Horn Loaded.
A few of the previous played tracks were revisited and the impression the new set up had, was off a far superior replay, as there was so much more definition of the content in the recording and the separation was even more expressed.
Next Up the HA-3 SUT.
I explained to Stoyan, when I use the HA-3 in my set up, there is a move down a notch in the bass and the performers get a bit more presence.
I think it is fair to say that this same effect showed through with the 'VAS II' >HA-3.
The bass did feel more substantiated, the vocals took on a extra strength/weight, and a little bit of the airiness was lost. It was agreed between ourselves that this was slightly more appealing, as none of the previous spoke of qualities were compromised in any way.
I went with the intention to compare the 'VAS II' with other Phonostages, my own, as well as the original VAS.
As I know these very devices well, I knew I was in a whole new ball park with the 'VAS II' and the New Power Supply. The idea of swapping Phonostages was dismissed.
Stoyan was keen to get a full handle on the Sound Staging capabilities,
so the Original Roger Water's 'Amused to Death' Album was put into service. The Q Sound effect on this Album allows for the widest, deepest effects, with isolation of certain sounds to be pinpoint.
To help us find particular effects we used a CD of the Album to pinpoint them in the tracks.
The CD was then listened to by Stoyan, as he is extremely familiar with it, I then had a listen to a particular effect on CD as well, and then the same track was replayed fully on vinyl.
The soundstage was outside of the room, the individual effects, developed much further in the wings, sound was much more defined further back in the soundastage, and the Presence of a particular effect, when in the centre of the stage was Huge and on your lap. The Bell on the Sleigh Horses Neck had its own window of presence. The Ferrari Car, made it self known so far to left in the stage, Massive in the Centre, and vanished so far to the right,
Goose Bumps is the only explanation.
The SUT's were swapped around and the original VAS Power Supply was used as well.
The Q Sound effects were there all the time, just a little bit less bass and more airiness to be perceived depending on the device.
I won't go into the technical achievements of the 'VAS II', as I don't fully understand the measurements, but I do know for a full valve operation Phonostage, they are seen as very impressive.
I can only report the device is blackly silent.
As a last SUT the AI 1000 was used, Stoyan claimed it had to be properly matched, so was not a perfect device to use.
I picked up on the forward projection immediately John Lee Hooker was at arms length, and bass was thunderous, but again no bloom.
I don't know how accurate this was as a performance, as I was not being analytical any more, but I will have my John Lee Hooker served to me like this any day.
As a final summary, my hat is tipped to Stoyan, for producing such a device that left me totally satisfied and left such a positive impression, to be in the company of it and not feeling the need to trial it against another device, speaks volumes for the impression it has made on me.

[JohnG]

WOW! 514 views on my comments on the 'VAS II'.

It is up and running, don't take my word for it, I feel sure Stoyan will be more than happy to entertain another set of ears.
It is based in East London, as a landmark for the area.

[Bigman80]

Hi John,

As you know, I was won over by the VAS at the Bakeoff.

Knowing there is a second version in the offing, it has left me wondering why this isn't 'on the market'.

What are the plans going forward for the VAS?

Is there a price?

How would someone go about getting one to try?

I think these questions need answering before a buzz can be created around this rather excellent phonostage.

One thing I would also take on as advice, rather than criticism, is:

You're very close to that project so your opinion has to be viewed as such. I was the same about Alan's creations, the Vivant and the OTP. It was only when we moved out of our collective creativity, and start getting out and about that the areas of improvement became apparent.

Personally, I'd get the VAS to Huddersfield and get it up against, what I class as the standard bearers, the MFA and Nick's Jfet phonostage. They are the best phonostages I've heard and whilst I would expect the VAS to do exceedingly well, it is comparison at this level that will ultimately decide how good it is.

The quoted price of the VAS I heard was £1600. MM only. That puts it squarely up against Nick's phonostage. That is the comparison that needs doing!

[JohnG]

Hi Ollie
I have a indelible memory from the Yorkshire HiFi Clubs, last dedicated Phonostage Bake Off.
I heard a audition of a few Phonostages towards the top of the ascending price scale, these showed their strengths and also revealed something I did not expect to experience in such a clear way.
The last 3/4 Phonostage's being auditioned, clearly showed a marked division in improved performance, when compared to the Phonostages that had been played previously during the day.
That is something I will not forget.
As I have stated before, I think the Phonostage's that were being referred to as the best in the line up was totally correct. It would only be a experienced individuals preference that would slightly juggle the order of merits.
I am patiently awaiting my return to the next event held by the Yorkshire HiFi Club.
I think the gang that assembles for the day, are enthusiasts, holding different valuable levels of knowledge on their subject, all who have good evaluations, freely offering their constructive views when it is due.
For me , it is great to know that there is a place to go, where a difficult to surpass Phonostage is resident, and offered for audition at a event, others bring their work or choices, to measure against it.
I have that wish for my own recent choice of Phonostage.
I have relayed to Stoyan, that a Phonostage Bake off at the Yorkshire HiFi Club would give him a chance to really assess his New Design. Stoyan has expressed a want to experience this.
My input to this Phonostage, is a 200 mile round trip to assess it, drink a few coffees, eat a few snacks,
and then use my ears to report back to Stoyan how I perceive the presentation.
What I witnessed on my last attendance, was in my opinion, a Phonostage that has come further than the one being assessed in my previous visits. Efforts were made to trip it up, but it stood the tests, showing qualities during the replays that were very impressive.
It triggered memories back to earlier HiFi related experiences. The effect Valve Amp direct driven ESL 57's had on me, the effect 845 Monoblocks had many years ago, the effect the SP10>PMAT -1010>Vienna has had 18 Months ago, each one creating the drive to own a match or very similar. All that I intend, will be making old bones with me.
I could see no reason at that first time experience, to change to any other device on offer, leave well alone. A smile develops and keeping it, is the goal.
I said on the day I visited Stoyan, while assessing the 'VAS II' " this is a Phonostage that I feel, will be a model that shows a marked division in improved performance, it will in my mind, sit closer to the specialist designs" how close that is I do not know, only being at a Yorkshire HiFi Club event with a few of the top performers and the ' VAS II' will determine this.

[Bigman80]

"I said on the day I visited Stoyan, while assessing the 'VAS II' " this is a Phonostage that I feel, will be a model that shows a marked division in improved performance, it will in my mind, sit closer to the specialist designs" how close that is I do not know, only being at a Yorkshire HiFi Club event with a few of the top performers and the ' VAS II' will determine this."

And that is my point mate. It is superb that MCRU have and are willing to put these meets on and the opportunity to compare your wares against the kit there is something that should be taken advantage of.

The MFA phonostage is very very special IMO. I have enquired as to the next date they are meeting as I'd like to bring the Bigbottle for a listen. Not competitive on my part, just a measuring stick as to where it lies.

I will hopefully get a listen the VAS and be as impressed as I was last time.

[WESTLOWER]

It would be interesting to hear this VAS phono stage. I’m not far from East London.
How does one contact and arrange?