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
 
There is a Luminous Audio Axion II posted for sale right now. What's your collective opinion of it?
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,515 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.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"03-20-15: Mattmiller
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."

The one thing I think we're forgetting here, is that the OP already has a BAT preamp and is very happy with it. So much, that his first choice was to upgrade to a better BAT preamp. Regardless of what our personal tastes are, the OP is the one who has to listen to his new preamp, not us.
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
"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."

That's just the thing. I think we all can agree that in this hobby ignorance is bliss. You don't know what you are missing (or not?) until you hear it (or don't?). Just because he is happy with the BAT doesn't mean he wouldn't be ecstatic with a better preamp.

Shakey
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
The lower you want to play music, the better preamp you need. Retaining resolution while attenuating the signal is no easy task. Throw in a bunch of other stuff and me thinks a good preamp is worth its weight in gold.
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