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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

128x128ronkent
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,195 posts
 

Yes going from a truly mid-fi pre-amp (1990’s nicely featured Carver) to a good one (newer Audio Research) about 12 or so years ago (as a trusted A’goner recommended to me at the time) was my big mid-fi to hifi transformation at the time. Been in hifi territory ever since. You live and learn.

 

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
366 posts
 

i am so amazed by the improvement the BAT VK80 wrought,  that i am now considering one of their SS amps for 2025.  I do not mind tubes in a pre-amp,  but do not want to go tubes in an amp.  i do agree with immathewj that a new piece can be a bit of a drug high,  but i have waited to make sure i was not deluding myself.before writing my review

dweller's avatar
dweller
3,781 posts
 

Started using a BAT VK-33SE a few years ago. Paired with the BAT VK-255SE, the resolution is just staggering,

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,977 posts
 

I just purchased a used First Sound Deluxe Presence Mk III, and it's truly transformational in my system to my ears. I have had 5 other preamps before this, but this is the first that is far above the others in performance, and it is better than I was expecting. 

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
366 posts
 

We are blessed that we were able to find these pieces of gear.   i bet that VK 255SE is fantastic.   For 2025,  i am contemplating their new REX 300 SS amp but i have to start saving for sure.

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