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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

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vthokie83
944 posts
 

kerrybh

I certainly believe treatment and finishing my listening room will yield great improvements. My problem until now, has been: my current system is in a our living space which is not at all optimal; and buying new gear is sexy and fun.

I can't imaging buying GIK panels will give me the same "giddy as a school girl" excitement. I am however committed to that direction.

coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
805 posts
 

I miss my old Plinius SA100mklll!

doyle3433's avatar
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doyle3433
324 posts
 

For me finally getting that combination that does everything right. When I paired my beloved Volti Razz with a Cary SLI80HS. 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,606 posts
 

@kerrybh

Who did you hire to do room acoustics? I agree, room acoustics is first and foremost thing to do before we embark on gear swapping/tweaking.

Speaking of transformational gear…Shindo (tubes) and Accuphase (solid state). You can put together an end game system around them.

kerrybh
179 posts
 

@vthokie83  

I agree 100%-much bigger thrill in unboxing a shiny new gizmo and reading the congratulatory message from the manufacturer complimenting my intelligence for making such a profoundly wise choice. I love that.

@lalitk

I have a local vendor that did the measurements and is doing the installation. The plan and the panels are by Artnovion. So far, so good. Good level of consultation to create a plan that would improve the listening experience, that was within my budget, and that I could live with. Didn't expect as much improvement as I hear, and still more to go.

If I was handier, smarter, and had more time and patience, I'm sure I could have made this a DIY project with good results.  Since that's not the case, satisfied so far.

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