VAC Phi 200 - Manual (Page 8)

7
OPERATION
Power on early units is applied with a front panel push button switch. Note how you are pushing
the button if ‘contact bounce’ occurs, and you’ll soon acquire a reliable technique.
Power on later units is applied through a front panel rocker switch.
Sound will begin approximately 45 seconds after turn on.
As with all high fidelity products, the sound characteristic of the VAC changes somewhat as it warms
up. We advise against leaving the equipment on at all times for safety reasons, and because of the
attendant acceleration of output tube wear and power consumption. Life of the output tubes
averages 3,000 to 8,000 hours. For best tube life, turn the amplifier off when you are not listening.
Any time that the VAC Power Amplifier has not been used for a few weeks the sound may be
different. This is also normal for high resolution audio equipment. Optimum sound should return after
a few hours of operation, preferably with an audio signal.
Please note that although your VAC System has been run for 48 hours at the factory, the break-in
time of high resolution audio equipment is infuriatingly long. The Phi sound will continue to season
for approximately 200 hours. The early sound of the amplifier will be less extended, dynamic, and
coherent. Then the sound will improve noticeably, followed by a period of darker sound, finally
giving way to the desired musicality. Patience is a virtue.
Also be aware that many components display the need for a new break in period after being
transported in unheated cargo aircraft.