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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
mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 

I've been a BAT man for about 5 years now.  I upgraded to a BAT VK-90 last year and was amazed at the improvement of space between instruments and the air around vocals.  BAT is an outstanding brand of product, as is the company and people there.  I really don't think I will change to another brand, but I am likely to continue to upgrade within the BAT line of products. 

To the question of the OP, transformational products for my systems, over the years, have been phono cartridges and phono stages, speakers, and most recently the BAT VK-90 preamp.  What a fun and pleasurable journey it has been.

mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 

And next up is building a dedicated sound room, shortly into the new year.  Literally, adding on to the house and making a room addition that is dedicated to 2-channel high fidelity.  I think that, along with a properly designed set of room treatments, will be the highlight of my audio journey.

 

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
366 posts
 

" I upgraded to a BAT VK-90 last year and was amazed at the improvement of space between instruments and the air around vocals.  BAT is an outstanding brand of product, as is the company and people there.  I really don't think I will change to another brand, but I am likely to continue to upgrade within the BAT line of products."   MAMMOTHGUY YOU NAILED IT.   that is exactly what i have found regarding the sonic attributes,  and Steve B is fantastic to work with.   i think i will not be looking at any other brand either.  right now i use a really fine Coda 16 amplifier,  but my next move will be a BAT amp.. 

A dedicated sound room sounds wonderful and i hope you get it.   i have a pretty decent room but it is not a dedicated room.   check out my virtual system.  

ericba's avatar
ericba
37 posts
 

Interestingly, each move I've made was worthwhile. The PassLab XA25 class A amp is at the top of the list. But strangely enough it is the Cardas Clear interconnect that I got from a closing audio store with it that blew me away. It made everything come alive at once. The missing link, if I may say. 

mark200mph
187 posts
 

These blogs always cost me money coz then I have to try it.or do they save me coz I don't have to roll  pre amps to find a good one

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