Please help: Do I need a preamp?

Norbert, I don't think it's an impedance mismatch because I believe the BAT's input impedance is on the high side and I'm sure the ML's output impedance is low enough not to be a problem.

I don't believe that using a tube CD player or preamp will solve your problem.

Two things I would try are experimenting with speaker positioning and experimenting with different system cabling. The Virgo IIs are VERY sensitive to both of these variables. Another viable option may be to incorporate a quality subwoofer if the above measures fail to satisfy...

It's too bad the Virgos are not biampable, because they seem to like the power and control of solid-state in the bass. I used to use tube/MOSFET hybrid amps with my Virgos and just going through the single input tube softened the bass although it sounded fabulous through the midrange and high frequencies.

I'm now using an Aragon 8002 amp, which has great control in the bass and with the right cabling, sounds quite detailed and musical throughout the audio spectrum. The detailing in the highs is particularly impressive. In my case, switching amps resulted in both performance and financial benefits.

I DON'T KNOW YOUR SPEAKERS BUT ALL LOOKS OK.
MY 2 CENTS
I WOULD WORK ON CABLES FIRST, MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE STEALTH WASN'T GREAT, IC'S -SO TRY SOME KUBALA EMOTION LINE/ VALHALLA/PURE NOTE VERSION 4. SPEAKER CABLES TRY KUBALA EMOTION / JENA VALKYRE/ TRANSPARENT REFERRENCE. SEE WHAT THAT DOES. YOUR ML 39 IS OK THE BAT IS OK, SPEAKERS ?

You could try a good pre-amp. A good pre-amp is always a good asset in any system.

I think that cables could be an issue here.

If possible try either IC's Kubala-Emotion/ Valhalla/ Pure Note version 4.

Also I would try the Kubala Emotion / Jena Valkyre/ or the Tranparent Reference speaker cables.

my 2 cents

Macallan,

Why is a good pre-amp "Always a good asset in any system"? I have run my system CD direct for several years now, using several different CD players that have variable output. I think it sounds fantastic.

Last weekend I took my Quad 99 CD-P over to a friends house. My friend has a very high resolution system that list for over $25,000. When we played the system using the Quad CD-direct, bypassing his $4000 pre-amp, it was much better than when the pre-amp was in the system. BTW, it is a very highly regarded pre-amp.

There is certainly a place for a good pre-amp, but it is not necessary for all systems. Plus, the big bucks saved on the cost of a pre-amp can be used somewhere else. I'm a huge fan of CD-direct! For my single source system and the type of music I prefer, I like the simplicity and transparency of running CD direct.

Enjoy,

TIC

I would be willing to bet your problem is the lack of a preamp. I tried a passive pre and had the exact problem you are describing. The passive I tried was a pretty cheap - I don't recall the brand. I agree with Elizabeth.