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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
 

@agbrace  Right on!  Enjoy to its fullest, and in good health.

 

mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 

By the way, I initially had a VK-33 and found it to be very good.  I then had it upgraded to the VK-33SE and there was a marked improvement in all the areas we have mentioned already.  The VK-80 is a direct replacement for the VK-33SE and by utilizing the new capacitors I would imagine that it outperforms the VK-33SE.  When I upgraded from the VK-33SE to the VK-90 I was rather astonished by how much more space between instruments and depth of soundstage was rendered.  Bass is more visceral, but certainly not overdone or bloated.  Just more realistic. 

I would have to say, over the past few years I have found that a top-flight preamp is definitely a transformational component to a great high-fidelity music system. 

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
366 posts
 

Mammothguy:  what do you use for amplification\?  i currently use a Coda 16 which i really like,  but in 2025 i really hope to try out a BAT REX 300.

I am now a true BAT MAN

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,982 posts
 

@desktopguy

Discovering NOS DACS years ago was a big moment for me as well, and I can't imagine going back.

megabyte
96 posts
 

If it were possible, which it isn’t, the biggest improvement for me would be to build a perfect listening room. That’s by far my biggest challenge. My equipment is great. The room is not. It’s not horrible but it could be so much better. I know it’s limiting my system a lot. 

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