VAC Phi 300 User Manual
Page 10
8
OPERATION
By time delay, sound will begin approximately 60 seconds after turn on.
As with all high fidelity products, the sound characteristic of the VAC changes somewhat as it warms
up. Best sound will be achieved after about one hour of operation. We advise against leaving the
equipment on at all times for safety reasons (see Safety Notice at the front of this manual), and
because of the attendant acceleration of output tube wear and power consumption. Life of the
output tubes averages 5,000 to 10,000 hours.
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. Refer to the discussion of break in
contained in the INTRODUCTION section of this manual for further information.
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.
ILLUMINATED LOGO
The illumination level of the front VAC logo will change with ambient light levels, dimming as room
light dims, and brightening as room light brightens.
When the Phi amplifier is connected to a VAC preamplifier equipped with the iVAC data buss, light
level is controlled by the preamplifier. This feature causes all of the VAC components to track light
together. In the case of Phi amplifiers, this ensures that all look identical regardless of brighter and
dimmer spots in the room.
When used alone, each Phi amplifier sets its own logo intensity independently.