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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
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,460 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
145 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.

vitussl101's avatar
vitussl101
175 posts
 

Purchasing an Esoteric Audio SACD player.  And recently taking off my Ekos SE Titanium tonearm and put back my mint Ittok Black arm.  After many recent updates to my LP12 I realized the Ittok is a better tonearm.       

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,460 posts
 

@kerrybh

Thank you for sharing. I am glad to hear someone is helping with room acoustics. I relied on GIK Acoustics expertise when I did my room few years back. I checked out Artnovion, looks pretty cool. Please post pictures of your room here once you’re done!

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
366 posts
 

Esoteric does make great gear and it looks great as well.   My neighbor has Esoteric preamp and SACD player.  nice stuff

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