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Conrad Johnson GAT - What else is there?

Hi folks -

I wanted to get some input on a preamp question. I’ve been in a search for the perfect preamp - I’m pairing the unit with AudioNet AMP monoblocks and powering a pair of Wilson Sophia 3’s. Previously, I had tried a fully upgraded Don Sachs DS2, Wells Audio Commander Level 2, and am now on the Conrad Johnson GAT v1.

Landing on the GAT seems like the perfect move. I bought the right piece of equipment, for an amazing price, from a great seller (huge shoutout to @audiotroy, Dave of Audio Intellect). Dave listened to the preamp woes I went through, found the right piece of gear for me, and made sure the GAT came to me after a paid-for pitstop at CJ for a full inspection - including brand new tubes. Highly recommended dealer.

The preamp does sound wonderful - I love the slight refinement of the signal to be just a bit more seductive while being natural, input and output options, balance control, EPL + HT sections and generally - it just gets out of the way! The one thing I’m considering is: it doesn’t have an auto power off, nor power button on the remote.

These aren’t deal breakers and I don’t think I’d really end up trading this away. The GAT is by far the best preamp I’ve owned… but since I can’t seem to stick with one piece of gear… if I was going to move on - any recommendations in the sub $10k range?
128x128respecthifi
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,500 posts
 
If you can find one, a used AVM PA 8.2 will come in right around $10K depending on what inputs and outputs are in it.  Beauty of AVM is the ability to tailor the output to the amps you are pairing it with.  That to me as an extremely appealing.

A new 8.3 is way above your budget of $10K and with normal feature set is in the high teens.  It is my favorite preamp but tough to justify if you already have a $20K preamp like the GAT.  

They have a less expensive option at $6K, the PA 5.2, which is superb for the money but not sure it is quite at the level that you are used to or are looking for.  


mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
NOT MUCH!
soix
9,593 posts
 
How did the Sachs compare with the GAT?  Others I’d look at — CAT, Atmasphere, VAC, Allnic, Raven, LTA.
Post removed 
mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 
@respecthifi

They removed my post to you probably because I had attached a link to the product I was suggesting for you.  I will leave out the link this time.

I had suggested the new model preamp VK-80 from Balanced Audio Technology (BAT).  It fits in at the top end of your budget.  The product line is superb both sonically and in build quality.  This new model has the feature set you are seeking and I can't speak highly enough for the company; excellent in their customer experience when need for interface with them.  You can find reviews on various products from BAT and they are always exceptionally positive.  I have the predecessor model to the VK-80 (model VK-33SE) and it is just excellent.  I also recently  acquired their new model amp VK-90T and it is quite the unit.
Check out the VK-80 on the brand website.  I wish you well on your quest. 
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