2. amps-preamps
  3. 1426779273

Is my preamp useless?

I enjoy my current system, which is built around a BAT VK-52SE preamp. I listen mostly to digital, via a Bryston BDP-2 player into a PS Audio DSD. I also enjoy vinyl on my VPI Classic/Dynavector/Sutherland 20-20 combo. Like most of us, I’m usually on the upgrade path. For me, the next component to upgrade would be the BAT preamp from a 52SE to a 53SE. But something occurred to me. I don’t listen loud. The gain on my PSA DSD is set to less than 100 and the BAT preamp is usually set between -20 and -10. So if my volume control is never set in the + range, is my preamp doing ANYTHING other than attenuating the volume and serving as a multi-input switch? Is all that Super Tube, single gain stage, zero feedback, high energy storage circuitry a waste of money?

Don’t get me wrong. I am very pleased with the sounds I hear. But if my pre isn’t doing anything, then I’d be better off to sell it and get a very simple passive attenuator, wouldn’t I? If that’s the case, what brands and models should I listen to?
Thanks for any advice.
slanski62
slanski62 OP
42 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. Fwiw, the rest of my system consists of Cary Audio 500.1 monos and custom speakers from Selah Audio. Cabling is Transparent Musicwave Super XLRs. I don't have a technical background.

So if I try the passive route, what do I look for?

Thanks All!
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"So if I try the passive route, what do I look for?

Thanks All!
Slanski62 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)"

Since you already have an outstanding preamp, I would say to make a commitment to get rid of it until you are sure that you have a definite replacement that you like better. The easiest way to try a passive, if you don't have a local dealer, is to call The Cable Company (fatwyre.com). They lend out audio components for you to try as demo's. That way you don't have to buy anything first, just to see if you like it or not.

I wouldn't get my hopes up on going with a passive, though. I like passives very much and recommend them on a regular basis. The reason I do is because you usually have to buy a really good active preamp to get where it actually sounds as good, if not better, than a passive. Your preamp, in my opinion at least, is beyond that mark by a comfortable margin. I see trying a passive more as a learning experience for you, than a serious effort to get better sound than what you have. But I still say try it. Its great experience, and you may end up using what you learn in a different system or situation.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,500 posts
 
I have never met a passive that I could live with. The sound always seems weak and uninspired.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
As other have said Slanski62, use your PSA dac direct into your Cary mono's, it will be an eye/ear opener, and you may sell your preamp.

As for your phono stage, it's a pity the PSA does not have analogue inputs to except the phono stage.
So purchase this cheap $49 passive that gives you input switching as well for everything. Then you can still go direct into your amp with your dac when you want the very best from your digital source.

http://schiit.com/products/sys

Cheers George
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
"The reason I do is because you usually have to buy a really good active preamp to get where it actually sounds as good, if not better, than a passive. Your preamp, in my opinion at least, is beyond that mark by a comfortable margin."

I don't agree with this at all. I have owned two BAT preamps, and several more actives which were far better than them. A good passive has beat every one of them. I would be willing to bet that the VK-52 would not fare any better.

Shakey
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