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That Transformational piece of Gear We All Wish For

I suspect most of the music/audio lovers on this web site have wished for that piece of gear that literally transforms their system?  I know i have.  I have been going down this audio rabbit hole since the mid 70’s, and there have been a few pieces that made a really nice improvement to my system (the PS Audio P20 Power plant being one of them).  However (and this comment only applies to pre-amps and amps and no other category), nothing that I can ever recall has so energized and improved my system in so many ways as my new pre-amp.  I have owned some really fine brands in the past including Pass,  Coda, ARC, PS Audio,  Rowland, and more, but now I am a BAT Man for sure.   The new pre-amp is the BAT VK-80 and I love that beast.  I hope everyone reading this will get a chance someday to try one in their system.  I know he is a controversial figure,  but Kevin Deal's review of this piece is so right on.  He really loves it too and rightfully so.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv2swa55JXo

 

My system consists of:

Thiel 3.7 speakers

Coda 16 power amp

PS Audio DSD DAC MK II

PS Audio Perfect Wave transport

PS Audio P20 power plant

BAT VK 80 preamp

128x128ronkent
agbrace
41 posts
 

Yeah, bought it brand new direct, I even talked to Steve and he said let it break in more, has about 500 hours. I am a believer in system synergy and I do go through a lot of gear but haven’t found the right combination where it fits in well. It certainly doesn’t sound bad but isn’t exciting, soundstage is smaller than Ref 6, bass and dynamics are lighter weight. I even tried it with a 255SE power amp and the amp had a similar sonic profile. Maybe I need a Rex 500!

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
366 posts
 

wow,  not sure what to say.  500 hours should be more than enough.  Mine has improved in the month since i got it but still not at 500 hours. the sound stage is very large and immersive (depending of course on the recording).  and the jump factor is amazing.  i use a Coda 16 amp and it is a killer for sure, but someday i hope to try a REX 300.  i do use two REL subs and they are very important in getting the kind of sound i like

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
278 posts
 

The two pieces of gear have surprised me were the Computer Audio Design (CAD) GC-1 and Sonore Signature Rendu SE w/Optical Module.

I bought a used GC-1, it was so amazing I immediately also bought the used GC-3 that was for sale.

I bought a used Sonore UltraRendu several months ago to play with the Ethernet output of an Innuos Statement, liked it enough to try the Signature Rendu SE. 

Well, the Signature Rendu SE had that I never knew it could sound like that feeling.

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
366 posts
 

hi AGBRACE,  i am just fishing here but maybe it needs a different power cord.   I am using the AQ hurricane source

mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 

Power cord does make a difference.  I am using the same Audioquest on my VK-90 preamp as ronkent.  Like ronkent, my BAT preamp provides a very wide soundstage, incredible separation of instruments, incredible air surrounding vocals, depth of stage, etc.  Dynamics are strong and most definitely "exciting" and there is absolutely nothing weak about this preamp.

Curiously, @agbrace how did you buy your VK-80 direct?  I had no idea that BAT sells direct to the end user.  Please advise.  Thank you. 

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