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
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,533 posts
 
Yeah, I did not buy the unit three of the times. This one is a friends that wants me to sell it for him. I sell gear for friends often as witnessed by my prolific feedback:) Anytime I read about dozens of folks saying a $500 passive toasted their $5,000-$20,000 active it gets my attention. Again, I have different gear that seems best matched to achieve the magic so many write about.

I may build a battery supply for it, upgrade the RCA's, dampen the chassis and use better hook up wire. Again, it is behaving nicely thus far and may indeed be worthy of a few simple upgrades.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
George,
Grannyring has given logical explanations for the 4th attempt using your Lightspeed. He feels it's a very good product(and has say so numerous times0.

He feels it's a very good value.

He likes the simpler is better concept in theory.

His system make up and current components are different and perhaps more favorable this time.

He's opened minded.

I wouldn't say this sounds like someone "obsessed" with the TRL Dude. Rather with direct comparison in his system the Dude provided superior sound quality. Seems like he's been quite fair with your Lightspeed. He has more patience than me.
Charles,
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,533 posts
 
John, I owned Merlin VSM speakers three times! All used. They had a certain sound that was appealing and so darn close to my dream speaker. In the end they just lacked the weight/body of music I hear live and on other great systems. The LSA has left me with the exact same past experience, so close to audio bliss but........the weight.......the body.....? Will this time be different with higher efficiency speakers, DHT amp and the Yamamoto Dac? We will see. I have it in my home to sell so why not try!
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


I'll just show this from another thread.

Quote Grannyring:
"I am usually 100% against passives "

Cheers George
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,533 posts
 
Yes indeed, that comment was based on experience to that date. That is reasonable? Right? Experience changes opinions. We are all in a state of change if we are open to new experiences. Going back in time for a quote is a waste of time George. I really do not understand your negative ways.

Anyway, thus far your design is making me rethink what is possible with a passive. I will post my honest opinion regardless of how petty you are behaving.
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