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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
 

Power cord does make a difference.  I am using the same Audioquest on my VK-90 preamp as ronkent.  Like ronkent, my BAT preamp provides a very wide soundstage, incredible separation of instruments, incredible air surrounding vocals, depth of stage, etc.  Dynamics are strong and most definitely "exciting" and there is absolutely nothing weak about this preamp.

Curiously, @agbrace how did you buy your VK-80 direct?  I had no idea that BAT sells direct to the end user.  Please advise.  Thank you. 

agbrace
40 posts
 

I did the trade in program through music direct, which I believe owns BAT, and it was built to order and shipped direct. I can’t imagine there are large QC differences unit by unit. Maybe my expectations are off, I’ve compared it to the Ref 6, Benchmark LA-4 and Denafrips Athena. As far as power cables, I’m using Cullen Cable, well built, reasonably priced, I’ve owned a handful of different brands and I’m not sure I can tell a difference with power cables. The next preamp on my list is an Atma-Sphere MP-3, very interested to try one of those. 

mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 

agbrace, thank you for the reply.  Yes, the trade-in program.  It is handled by retailers and BAT fulfills the order.  And you are correct, the owner of Music Direct is also the owner of Mobile Fidelity, Mo-Fi Distribution, and BAT.  Best to you on your quest of audio nirvana.

 

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
365 posts
 

hey Mammouth, ever think about going to a Dragon cord? there is no end to this wonderful madness.

but you are so right about there being nothing weak about this preamp. there is not one sonic attribute that it seems lacking in.

agbrace
40 posts
 

OK, the Ref6 came out and the VK-80 went in tonight all other components left unchanged.  The soundstage and overall feel of the 80 is still “smaller” but it comes across more tonally accurate and micro details are more present. The imaging is more precise in that the images are more laid back and smaller but better defined in space with sharper edges. In comparison, the Ref6 may be a bit extra in its presentation, sometimes too much bass in my setup, it is more forward and sounds big but the 80 is more refined and engaging depending on the track. In summary, I like both and can’t sell them, Such is the insanity of this hobby. Thanks all for a good conversation. 

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