That Transformational piece of Gear We All Wish For


I suspect most of the music/audio lovers on this web site have wished for that piece of gear that literally transforms their system?  I know i have.  I have been going down this audio rabbit hole since the mid 70’s, and there have been a few pieces that made a really nice improvement to my system (the PS Audio P20 Power plant being one of them).  However (and this comment only applies to pre-amps and amps and no other category), nothing that I can ever recall has so energized and improved my system in so many ways as my new pre-amp.  I have owned some really fine brands in the past including Pass,  Coda, ARC, PS Audio,  Rowland, and more, but now I am a BAT Man for sure.   The new pre-amp is the BAT VK-80 and I love that beast.  I hope everyone reading this will get a chance someday to try one in their system.  I know he is a controversial figure,  but Kevin Deal's review of this piece is so right on.  He really loves it too and rightfully so.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv2swa55JXo

 

My system consists of:

Thiel 3.7 speakers

Coda 16 power amp

PS Audio DSD DAC MK II

PS Audio Perfect Wave transport

PS Audio P20 power plant

BAT VK 80 preamp

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The most transformational equipment change I made was replacing a Rega tonearm with a Basis tonearm.

The most transformational change I made to my system was installing room treatments.

I've done that a few times (amps, preamps, CDPs, DACs, most recently speakers) and I have experienced transformation, but sonic transformation can be ("can" being the operative word) like a good drug high . . . it's only good enough for a while.

I was wondering if anyone shared a similar experience as I also recently introduced a BAT preamp, having located a used Rex 2 and going balanced throughout with all cabling. Really can't get over the immersive and nuanced musical experience. So much more emotion inducing playback. Congrats. For the first time in this hobby I'm completely satisfied and my wife is very happy about that.