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
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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
12-21-05: Jmcgrogan2
I've moved on to the newest fad, passive amplification. It's great!! There's no amplifier like no amplifier!!

All you that thought passive line stages were the end of the road are wrong, just wait until you add passive amplification to the loop. No more power cords needed....period!

Wahoo!!!

And as for your little dig.

BTW: Wahoo!!!! Passive amplification???
Now that's an oxymoron, so was your above post.

Cheers George
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,534 posts
 
My comments are well thought out, honest, and my experience. It does not line up exactly with yours so I am somehow flawed as a poster according to you. I don't know why I take your bait? Perhaps I am hopeful of a nicer, more reasoned side of you.

For those interested, the LSA is very, very good with my DHT 845 amp. I am liking it more than ever with this amp and my current speakers. My past experience with the LSA has always been positive and my detailed posts reflect that fact on the LSA thread. But, currently it is exceeding my expectations and the second best "preamp" I have had in my system. More to come with further listening and time.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Bill (Grannyring)
Your credibility and honesty are well recognized on audiogon. Common sense dictacts that some will prefer passive and others active line stages, it just depends. I don't understand the put down comments for those who don't find the Lightspeed(or passive/direct source) right for them after an audition in their system. It comes across as petty.
Charles,
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