VAC Renaissance 140 User Manual
Page 12
8
TIPS & ADVICE
Tuning Your System
The VAC Renaissance has unparalleled opportunities for fine tuning your system for best subjective
reproduction. At first glance this may seem a bit intimidating, but it's actually quite easy to do. Let's go step by
step from the beginning.
1)
Start with the Ground switch at "AF" and the two Feedback controls at "0." Connect the loudspeakers
to the highest tap that matches the minimum impedance rating of your speakers. For example, if your
speakers are 8 ohm nominal/4 ohm minimum, connect them to the "4" tap.
2)
Play several different recordings that you are familiar with to get used to the sound of the system.
3)
Turn the Feedback controls to the next highest setting. Turn up the volume control on your preamp
until the volume sounds the same as before. Listen again to several recordings. If the sound seems
improved, then try the next higher Feedback setting. Stop when you find the setting that sounds best
to you.
In general, very reactive loudspeakers such as electrostatics will require more feedback for open sound.
4)
Try the Ground switch in the "DC" position, then the "RF" position. Select the position that sounds
best and does not introduce hum or buzz into the system. Be very careful when using this control, as
the tubes are hot enough to cause a severe burn. If you're uncertain, switch the amplifiers off and wait
5 minutes for the tubes to cool down.
5)
Try the speakers on the next lower and next higher impedance taps, and select the tap that sounds best
to you.
6)
If you made changes in steps 4 or 5, then repeat steps 3, 4, and 5.
Finally, remember that the break-in time of high resolution audio equipment is infuriatingly long. The
Renaissance sound will continue to season for at least 200 hours. Typically, the early sound of the amplifier will
be less extended, dynamic, and coherent. Then the sound will improve noticeable, followed by a period of darker
sound, finally giving way to the desired musicality. Patience, as they say, is a virtue.