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
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,113 posts
 
A preamp does these things:
1) provide volume control
2) provide any needed gain
3) provide switching for various sources
4) control artifact from interconnect cables.

Of these the last is the least understood. Since you don't need any gain my recommendation is a buffered volume control. This is a passive control that has buffering circuitry with no gain that allows the control to work properly without artifacts being generated by the interaction that typically occurs between the volume control and the interconnect cable driving the power amp.
slanski62 OP
42 posts
 
Thanks again for taking time to respond everybody. Looks like I have a lot to learn!
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"03-20-15: Shakeydeal
"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."

I believe you, and there's nothing wrong with what you're saying. My post was meant to be personal opinion, not fact. The OP seems to be happy with his BAT, so I would expect a passive would be hard pressed to win him over. If he expressed some disappointment with it, that would be another matter. But we really won't know for sure until he tries a passive. You may be right.
slanski62 OP
42 posts
 
There is a Luminous Audio Axion II posted for sale right now. What's your collective opinion of it?
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,538 posts
 
That BAT preamp isn't adding anything in terms of beautiful tone or accurate highs. And at low volumes FORGET IT. I would get a AYRE preamp if you want to go Soild State. If you go tube I would switch from BAT to something a lot more engaging like a Modwright or Manley labs. The pre amp will make or break your sound and you can spend a lot of time and $$ getting it wrong. So I say YES to a pre amp in your system just find the one that works best for your system and ears.
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