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

@desktopguy

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

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. 

Seriously considered a balanced audio pre amplifier but it does come with a lot of tubes may not be the greatest thing for a home theater system to be used with bypass. However it is an impressive amplifier. I went with a Conrad Johnson gat2 

The power plant you have is something I considered too but my electric supply is not a problem and would wonder how much of an improvement something like that would make if you really don’t have a lot of problems with noisy electricity source, but I do have a power conditioner from transparent that I use.

you would be surprised at the improvement it can make.  it is not a power conditioner,  it is a power re-conditioner.   I would try one as they have a totally easy return policy if you do not like it.  i have owned probably five of their power plants since the premier power plant came out way back.  i consider the P20 to be a core part of my system.  

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