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
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,
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Great detective work George! You must have much free time on your hands down under. I'm too busy to comb through your replies, though I'm sure they are all business related.

Obviously, either my moniker was highjacked, or I was high at the time. The time frame is what throws me, I would have guessed that all of my passive experiences were well before 2005. Too many toys, not enough time nor money.

So now you have Bill backed into a corner. He either has to come out and say your LSA is awesome, or you can come out and say "I told you so".
It's a win-win for you. Well played George.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
George- It's call hyperbole:
hy·per·bo·le
hīˈpərbəlē/
noun
noun: hyperbole; plural noun: hyperboles

exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
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