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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
5,574 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
371 posts
 

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

vthokie83
926 posts
 

laltik

laltik

I'm probably going to lean on GIK Acoustics as well, at least to start. I spent quite a bit of time with John Dykstra (from GIK) at Axpona last year and again this year. He was suggesting to start with a their software (maybe it's open source?), and working with their no cost advisors to get a baseline. That should get me in the right ballpark for absorption and diffusion, and of course knowing my room, speakers, and placement.

Their solutions seem to be sufficient, and cost effective. I'd be curious what your experience has been

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,574 posts
 

@vthokie83

I had a great experience with GIK. From consultation to buying, the whole process was pretty painless. I never felt rushed and completed my installation in 3 phases. Be patient and open to experimenting with acoustic panel placement. First order is critical, which should address 1st reflections and some diffusion in your room. It’s a balancing act as you could easily go overboard :-) 

immatthewj
2,147 posts
 

Old Proverb:  The Road To Hell is paved with transformational pieces of gear.

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