Hi Dave,
sorry for the delayed response, I was on vacation all last week and didn't see this post.
The VTA-Z is the bottom of the line, and it's basically all of our PAS3 upgrades in a new modern chassis.
From what I've read (since I haven't actually had one in my hands to look at or listen to) I would say this is at least as good as the VanAlstine Super PAS3.
The Super PAS3 appears to be very similar to our Zmod upgrades for the PAS3, which are the same ones used in our VTA-Z preamp and slightly refined
and with a better power transformer in our SP10 preamp, both of these around $550-600 depending on whether you include the phono stage.
The Super PAS3 is $899 or as a parts kit to install in your old PAS3 for $449 (a used PAS3 in decent condition is $300+).
Our Zmod upgrades total about $278 so somebody is either way overpriced or way underpriced! I like to provide top value for the lowest price.
Another alternative is our "TCLA" circuit upgrade for the PAS3, which includes high quality tone controls that work correctly without diminishing the sound quality.
That's $50 more than the Zmod combo.
A better comparison is our "ultimate PAS3 mod" package, which totals $400, this includes an AIKIDO line stage, our hi-end PH10 phono amp,
and a regulated power supply with two new power transformers to replace the original one. I can guarantee you that this blows away just about
any preamp you can find under $2000. It is essentially our SP12 preamp but on circuit boards designed to fit inside a PAS3.
It's actually a better value to buy a new SP12 kit ($690) and sell your old PAS3 for $300 or more than to spend $400 upgrading it.
Roy
www.tubes4hifi.com