Master Line Stage

About the Master Line Stage

The VAC Master Line Stage preamplifier distills the essential developments from VAC's cost-no-object Statement preamplifiers into a highly effective and elemental form. It features a massive, custom-made, multisection 2.2 kg brass volume control with internal brass shielding and remote control capability via a motor drive system for infinite resolution. The unit is hand-wired with Class A1 audio circuits mounted on machined, mass-loading plates decoupled from the chassis to minimize microphony and enhance detail and imaging. When equipped with the optional internal phono stage, it includes a separate dedicated power transformer and DC umbilical cable for complete isolation from the line section, effectively functioning as an external phono stage within the same chassis. Premium components such as naked z-foil resistors and exotic capacitors (some beeswax) are used throughout. The Master Line Stage outperforms all preamplifiers except the VAC Statement models that inspired it. It supports multiple inputs including 3 RCA line inputs, 2 balanced/RCA selectable inputs, and a cinema bypass input, with optional MM and MC phono inputs. Outputs include 2 RCA and 2 balanced XLR connectors. The design ensures correct absolute phase, a flat frequency response from 5 Hz to 210 kHz, very low distortion (<0.009% THD at 1 kHz), and a maximum output of less than 8 V RMS. The unit weighs approximately 75 lbs (27.7 kg) with phono option and comes with a two-year warranty excluding tubes. The finish is standard black fascia with chrome knobs, with a silver fascia available as a special order upgrade.