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
11,954 posts
 
So let us assume that I purchase this preamplifier. What happens to the power amplifier, sources and speaker cables? What about power cords? They also seem to have some degree of effect due to cable changes. At least in my system, the speaker cables made a huge positive difference. Or is my system completely wrong in revealing changes because of cable switching?

Your system is fine- being able to hear the effects of cables is what comes with resolution. The only thing is, interconnects are the one type of cable that should never be able to impose an artifact- because we figured out how to stop that a good 60 years ago!

However, speaker cables and power cords are a different matter entirely. They impose (measurable) artifacts too and the physics about why are pretty straightforward although I am not sure if they are germane to this thread.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,533 posts
 
I will report back on what is. I am an open minded Aphile who is NOT tied to any one piece of gear. Goodness, Agon folks should know this by now.

The LSA is playing now and works well in my current set up.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,533 posts
 
I have a bad back so thus far LSA is up by one!
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,533 posts
 
George, I want your device to do well and that is why I try it yet one more time on a different assortment of gear. My open minded ways is always curious and willing to experiment. I love great values in audio and have learned a great deal over the past few years on building and modifying gear
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

I just can't fathom why some one would buy at different time 4 x Lightspeed Attenuators.
A second one I can understand, thinking, "maybe I made a mistake by selling the first one", but now a 4th one??

It's beyond me, but hey keep buying them as it keeps me in beer money.

Cheers George
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