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
6,534 posts
 
Here is that comment from five years ago in the full context.
George, you totally tried to mislead others and seem to want to smear me in some way. The total context is both reasoned an open minded to your design. Quite the opposite of what you are trying to portray. Someday you will hopefully see I am an honest and curious Aphile with no conspiracy plan against your or any passive.

06-14-10: Grannyring
Like your input George. I would love to try your preamp in my system and compare to my tube preamp. I can't believe I even said this as I am usually 100% against passives based on my experience with these in the past. It's just that several highly respected Agoners seem to think your $450 unit is the real deal giant killer. I have a giant in my opinion :
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


No negativity or accusations of conspiracy.

Just presenting a portion of written facts/quotes.

Cheers George
marqmike
846 posts
 
I really appreciate your input on this Grannyring because you give it a better chance than most reviewers would and are sincere about your findings. We all benefit from it no matter how it has come about. It will be interesting to see if it kicks it up a notch or two by some mods. I would definitlky do that. Enjoy the journey. Thanks for sharing Grannyring.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
04-03-15: Georgelofi

No negativity or accusations of conspiracy.

Just presenting a portion of written facts/quotes.

It certainly doesn't appear that way George. It seems as if there is a LOT of negativity and accusations. That is your second post trying to proactively smear Bill's (Grannyring) testimony.
What's the matter George, not much confidence in your product? Maybe you are not totally sold on passives yourself??? LOL!!

Maybe folks should dig through your post history, and see how much love you give to active preamps, just to see if your opinion is fair and impartial. ;^)
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


Facts are there to see, members just need to look at Bills (Grannyring) statements here and over at the Lightspeed forum, it's not hard see what going on.
I'll leave it at that.

Cheers George
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