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VAC Amps Renaissance Mk V
The Renaissance Mk V Preamplifier replaces the earlier Mk III, and is completely new in circuit, chassis materials, and appearance. In fact, it has more in common with the VAC Statement Series than the prior Renaissance generation.
The line stage circuit is the same transformer- coupled Class A1 balanced triode design found in the Statement Line Stage. The external power supply has dual-mono recti cation and ltering of the crucial high voltage supplies for superb, spacious imaging and great preservation of nuance. The remote volume control is of the direct-acting analogue type and continuously variable, so you easily can the precise level that makes the music snap into focus.
The audio connectors are premium rhodium plated Cardas and Neutrik Professional. There are three high level inputs, two of which may be balanced or single-ended, just like the output.
Vinyl lovers may specify the optional MM MC phono stage, which features three twin triodes operating in pure Class A1, variable MC impedance loading, and purely passive, precise RIAA equalization. The circuit topology is derived from the Signature Mk IIa SE, di ering principally in the number of tubes employed, and uses the same premium MC input transformers. The results rival and exceed those delivered by many more costly separate phono stages. You should expect nothing less of a VAC.
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Professional Reviews 92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
92/100
Features Connectivity
87/100
Value for Money
91/100
The Renaissance Mk V brings **rich tonal weight**, **high-frequency openness**, and **holographic imaging** to a lavishly built tube preamp platform. In the closely related Mk.3, Garrett Hongo heard authoritative dynamics, black-silent backgrounds, and clarity that held firm through orchestral peaks. Balanced connectivity, an external supply, and optional MM/MC phono flexibility complete an exceptionally involving control center.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Rich, tonally dense presentation retains treble openness, bass slam, and control.
Spacious, stable imaging with strong depth and instrument separation during complex crescendos.
Very low apparent noise, with black silences and no audible tube rush reported.
Lavish fit and finish plus broad amplifier compatibility and versatile connectivity.
&
Cons
The closely related Mk.3's high gain limited volume-control range; the reviewer wanted a low-gain option.
The optional MC phono section needed substantial break-in and was less airy and refined than the reviewer's reference standalone phono stage.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
The available Renaissance Mk.3 review describes a notably refined tube presentation: richly weighted and colorful, yet open, quiet, controlled, and composed under demanding music. It particularly praises the preamp's ability to preserve separation, dynamic momentum, and dimensional images without losing tonal sophistication at crescendos.
Transparency Resolution
93/100
Hongo calls the Renaissance transparent, noting that it could reproduce the character of recordings without imposing added mellowness or polish. He also reports appropriately black silences, no audible tube rush at the drivers, and clarity maintained through complex orchestral climaxes.
Tonal Balance Musicality
95/100
The review repeatedly praises a rich, fulsome and tonally weighty character that retains high-frequency openness and sparkle. Its harmonic saturation, broad tonal palette, and ability to make formerly thin or shrill recordings enjoyable point to an especially persuasive and musically engaging balance.
Dynamics
94/100
The Renaissance is described as nimble and stout, delivering momentum, rock-band slam, bass control, and wide expressive range with large orchestras. The reviewer also highlights its finesse during high-level orchestral climaxes rather than any sense of compression or strain.
Soundstage Imaging
94/100
The review reports a stage extending beyond the loudspeakers, with generous depth, fine instrumental placement, and complex layers remaining intelligible. Images are described as liquid and nearly holographic, while the stage reportedly stayed intact even at crescendos.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
92/100
The Mk.3 reviewer found the Renaissance lavishly finished and seriously constructed, citing a substantial 10 mm machined aluminum faceplate and nonmagnetic aluminum control and power-supply chassis. For the Mk V, the supplied specifications retain the separate external supply and describe a hand-rubbed lacquer finish, though the reviews do not discuss long-term reliability.
Features Connectivity
87/100
The Mk V provides two selectable balanced/RCA input sets, both RCA and XLR outputs, remote control, and a detachable external power supply. An optional MM/MC phono stage adds meaningful vinyl flexibility, while the earlier review also praised the Renaissance platform's extensive connections and multi-output bi-amping capability.
Value for Money
91/100
At $12,500, the Renaissance Mk V is a major investment, but the available Renaissance Mk.3 review explicitly calls it a great value and a great deal for the money, citing sound quality, build, and versatility. That praise concerns an earlier version rather than a current direct peer comparison, but it still supports a favorable view of the model line's value proposition.
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Authorized dealers for VAC Amps Renaissance Mk V
- The ASOC Gallery of Fine Audio — in-store — Stratford, Ontario, Canada (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Audio compositions — in-store — Newark, Delaware, United States (website)
- Audio Salon — in-store — Boca Raton, Florida, United States (website)
- Dr Vinyl — in-store — Middle River, Maryland, United States (website)
- Echo Audio — online and in-store — Portland, Oregon, United States (website)
- Editors Choice HiFi — in-store — Paola, Kansas, United States (website)
- Elite Audio Systems — in-store — San Francisco, California, United States (website)
- HiFi Loft — in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- HIFI SOLUTION — in-store — Chandon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France (website)
and 12 more verified dealers