T.H.E. Show Newport 2018 Ron Report: Magico / VAC

[Ron Resnick]

Kevin Hayes, the Founder of Valve Amplification Company, of Sarasota, Florida, was exhibiting his Phi 170 tube power amplifier. Fronted by an Acoustic Signature turntable a suite of all VAC electronics powered Magico A3 loudspeakers. The A3 is Magico's new, entry-level speaker.

The sound was wonderful! This system demonstrated that you do not have to spend an ultra-crazy amount of money to achieve fantastic sound. I think Magico will do well with this A3. And VAC tube electronics are among the most natural sounding and the most highly-regarded tube electronics in the world.
























MAGICO A3

Driver Complement
1" MB7 Beryllium Dome (X1)
6” Midrange Graphene Nano Tec (X1)
7” Bass Graphene Nano Tec (X2)

Specifications
Sensitivity: 88dB
Impedance: 4 Ohms
Frequency Response: 22 Hz – 50 KHz
Minimum Recommended Power: 50 Watts Maximum Recommended Power: 300 Watts
Dimensions: 44”H x 11”D x 9.25”W (112cm x 27cm x 23cm)
Weight: 110 lbs. (50Kg)



VAC PHI 170

Type: Vacuum tube power amplifier with transformer coupled output

Features:
? VAC iQ Continuous Automatic* Bias System ™
? Class A1 triode input & driver stages
? Direct coupled input & driver stages
? Low feedback design (6 dB)
? 12 volt trigger
? Detachable power cord

Fully balanced or single-ended input

Stereo or mono operation

Power Output: 85 watts/channel stereo continuous, 170 watts mono continuous

Speaker Matching Taps: 1-2 ohms, 2-4 ohms, 4-8 ohms

Frequency Response: 4 Hz to 71 kHz, +0/-3 dB

Full Power Bandwidth: 15 Hz to 63 kHz, +0/-3 dB

Residual Noise: Typically > 95 dB below rated output

Input Impedance:
? 200k Ohms, Stereo, Balanced
? 100k Ohms, Stereo, Single Ended
? 100k Ohms, mono, Balanced
? 50k Ohms, mono, Single Ended

Gain:
? 30 dB, Stereo, Balanced
? 33 dB, Stereo, Single Ended
? 31 dB, Mono, Balanced
? 34 dB, Mono, Single Ended

Output Polarity: Non-inverting

Balanced input is Pin 2 positive

Tube Complement
? 4 x type 6SN7
? 4 x type KT88
? Compatible with KT120
? Compatible with KT150

Operating Voltages: Available factory set for 100, 120, 220, or 230/240 volt operation

Connectors
? Cardas rhodium RCA jacks
? Neutrik XLR jacks
? Cardas rhodium binding posts

Dimensions
? 17.8" W x 14.2" D x 8.5" H
? 452 mm x 361 mm x 216 mm
? Excluding connectors

Weight: 68 lbs., 31 kg

 

[cjfrbw]

Probably the best Magico sound I have heard was with a VAC amp setup. They seem to do well together.

 

[KeithR]

I revisited this room today - while the sound was good, I ultimately didn't find the Magico very dynamic (or at least in this system). The gentlemen next to me said his Elacs sounded better on the same Tin Pan Alley and that the Magicos seemed to miss the proper gusto of the piece. I couldn't disagree. Maybe they just needed to crank it up, who knows.