BAT preamp: Rex to Rex-2 upgrade


So I decided to bite the bullet and upgrade my BAT Rex preamp to the Rex-2. I thought I'd give a little report for those who already own a Rex and were thinking of upgrading also.

First thing I noticed right out-of-the-box was this is one DYNAMIC preamp! Dynamic scale has been noticeably improved and it isn't subtle. Slight dynamic swells and shifts of energy are much wider than before and the dynamic ceiling sounds as it could be endless The Rex-2 also makes significant strides in audio improvement to sound-staging. There is now a greater difference between direct sound and ambient sound. So now the sound space sounds bigger and airier while the images in that space now have more solidity. Other notable ( hi-fi ) areas of improvement come in the way of extended frequency response, both hi and low. Bass is now more potent, tighter, deeper, with better delineation. Treble with a week of break-in is now more detailed, airier, with a greater sense of speed. This quality now allows me to hear the initial attack with increased clarity and A-R-T-I-C-U-L-A-T-I-O-N.

For me the original Rex was the standard setter when it came to timbre/texture of tone. While all the improvements I heard above are certainly really good things, without the liquidity and organic presentation of instrumental tone, in the long run it wouldn't matter for me. I don't mean this in the audiophile way of being warm and euphonic. It is meant to mean, vibrant and true to life, dense and rich with natural realistic tonal color.

Yesterday, in my 40 years of being into this hobby I had one of the most enthralling and musically satisfying days I can ever remember listening to music. The texture I was hearing was so captivating, so undeniably true sounding, my emotional connection to the music so strong, every note was simply magic!!! I wish musically rewarding moments like these for all.

Enjoy.
trcnetmsncom
Hi Sam. When you can do the upgrade. In the world of hi-end audio it is well worth it. Promise!

best,
Tom
Thank You! Tom for your report.
Keep us posted on your listening pleasure(s) as the REX 2 settles in and opens up.
Thanks very much for posting these impressions, I have been mulling this upgrade over for some time, and now feel more confident about moving forward with it when I have the chance. Thanks!
I have used the 51se, 52se and Vkph10se phono. I do like BAT gear it is so well built and Victor was always a great help. BAT is not supported in the UK so I have had to move on.
Sounds like you are really enjoying your upgrade well done on a good decision.
Hello Jafant.

Will do. I was told 450 hours before the REX-2 will show its true (full) sonic identity. In my experience I have found break-in to be a real phenomenon.
So far the treble has been the area of most improvement. "Open up" is exactly how I would say it. As the break-in process evolves, the sound becomes more relaxed, opens up and breathes.

Hi Kevin.

My pleasure. You know how we like to celebrate a new piece of good sounding equipment! Especially when the improvement it makes is exceptional as this!!! Hope you get to do the upgrade soon.

best,
Tom