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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
 

@ronkent  If you really want to beat your Coda 16 then settle only for the best solid state amp from BAT, the REX-500.  I am not so sure that the REX-300 will do you any better than what you already have (the CODA 16 is fabulous).  I am considering selling my fairly efficient speakers (next year) and opting for a speaker that is more power demanding.  At the top my short list is the Sonus Faber, Amati G5.  At that time, I would sell my BAT VK-90T power amp and get the REX-500 power amp.  Time will tell, but first up is completing the new sound room addition.  I just received the construction quote yesterday and it is within my financial plan.  Ultimately, my end-game system, in total.  Life is too short, enjoy it while we are able.

 

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
365 posts
 

@mammothguy54

"Ultimately, my end-game system, in total.  Life is too short, enjoy it while we are able".   boy ain't that the truth.  you must be in your late 60's or early 70's to be saying that?  I am 71 and figure it is (to misquote the Thing) music time. The 500 is out of my price range and weight and size range (as it is too deep for my audio rack). The Coda 16 is fantastic (I am selling the Coda 07X preamp because the VK 80 was so much better),  so someday i will take the 60 day trial from MD and try the REX 300.  If it does not kick the Coda butt  then i will know what comes next.  

whitecap
120 posts
 

@ronkent:  its the original REX (circa 2008, I think), with all new tubes specified by BAT.    Amp is the BAT VK-655se, which is a fabulous beast, best amp I have owned.  Upgrading to the REX 2 is a possibility for us in future, or REX 3, but for now the REX was a wow improvement.   Am sticking with the 655se.   

BTW, in a different system we are going to try out the VK-80 (still on hand) with Luxman  M900U (monobloc pair).   Will A/B vs Luxman C-900U.  

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
365 posts
 

wow that should be some interesting comparisons.  please let me know what you find out.

i almost  bought one of those amps but was intimidated by the size and the weight.  had shoulder surgery recently and the thought of moving my 100 LB. Coda out of the system, and the 120 lb. 655se into the rack was a bit more than i could handle.  plus my rack is 18" deep and the 655 is 23" deep

mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 

@ronkent  An amp stand between the speakers, with a run of XLR cables, and you can put any amp there that you want, regardless of size.  Just sayin'....

 

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