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

I can’t see any piece of equipment changing things more than speakers. And I swear, if someone says cables, bang-ZOOM! 🌕 

vthokie63

The BAT preamp is so marvelous.   you sound like you have a great system.  i have a Coda 16 amp and while i have no complaints at all with it,  someday i will try a BAT SS amp in my system.

FWIIW i find the PS Audio P20 power plant to be an indispensable piece of gear.   a properly treated room  is also very important   and that is not all that hard to do

 

Ericba

I think my friend Bob M. would agree with you on the Cardas Clear.  I have the clear reflection but my understanding is that the Clear really is the one have.

1st it was having a dedicated toom.

2nd is eliminating noise. Lower noise floor.

After a variety of sub-$1K dacs that all sounded pretty much the same, for me the Ayre QB-9 dac sounded so close to vinyl that I promptly sold my SOTA Sapphire TT with vacuum platter.  I have never looked back.