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
Zd542,

While I agree that seeing a listing of others' megabuck systems doesn't necessarily make them better qualified to make recommendations, I do think seeing system setups can be very helpful in evaluating poster's comments.

Seeing systems, the way they are set up and the rooms they are in can definitely help us all when reading various comments. I've seen systems set up in obviously bright non treated rooms on non carpeted ceramic or wooden floors with rear ported speakers backed up against a wall or sliding glass door and thought "note to self, take anything this guy says with a grain of salt" because I'll know withy a doubt that what he's hearing in a setup like that will have zero correlation to what I'll get in my room.

Wouldn't you agree that what sounds great in a room like that might not sound good in a treated deader room with more open speaker placement?
Zd542, don't feel offended just because you have not listed your system here.

But I found this statement funny :-)

Most of the stuff I recommend, I don't even own.

Are you telling me that you are recommending stuff on a whim? We were not talking of putting together a system for the OP. It is the OP's responsibility. We can only recommend or only advise based on our listening or personal experiences. Like you said, it is only up to the person to validate and then make a purchase - especially when it is recommended by folks who don't even own the components :-))
But listing your components at least gives the recommend-ee an idea of what the recommend-er really likes and then think if his/her own listening habits match with the recommend-er. I would never recommend a component which I do not have experience with. And things that I have auditioned, I would "only suggest" and mention that I have just auditioned.
My system has new passive friendly components that are different then before, thus I will try the LSA again!

Charles, I just hooked up the Yamamoto for the first time today and I will wait to give my full impressions. The first hour it was pretty dark and closed in and muddy in the bass. I think it needed to settle into my system. My CEC transport is known to be dark sounding.

After being on 4 hours things are getting better. The highs are coming in and the sound is opening up. Please understand both the Yami and CEC were fresh off the UPS truck!

The Yamamoto is easy on my ears and pleasing to listen to. Not at all harsh or bright with not a hint of glare. All very good stuff!
Hi Bill,
Just off the UPS truck, yes it will open up substantially, just give it time. It is a well balanced blend of transparency and very organic character . Keep me posted. It became even better with the Duelund CAST capacitors.
"03-27-15: Milpai
Zd542, don't feel offended just because you have not listed your system here.

But I found this statement funny :-)

Most of the stuff I recommend, I don't even own. "

No one likes a good laugh better than me. No offence at all. Just the opposite actually.

"Are you telling me that you are recommending stuff on a whim? We were not talking of putting together a system for the OP."

No. Not everyone has the same taste as I do. Sometimes what an OP will ask for is clearly not to my personal taste. It would be selfish of me to recommend only things I like, knowing full well that its not the best advice. For example, I don't like Magnepan and B&W speakers, but I would never think of talking someone out of them if that's what will make them happy.