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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
fleschler
2,028 posts
 

I did it this year with the purchase of my Von Schweikert VR9 SE Mk2 upgraded sub-amps, etc., my Westminster Lab REI amps, my Jay's Audio CDt3 Mk3 and Lampizator Poseidon DAC/Pre-amp.  

In 2006, I upgraded to a VPI TNT VI+ with a Townshend Seismic Sink.,

In 1989 , I upgraded to a tricked out superior performing SME IV (Brooks Berdan multi-molded),

I'm 68.  It is possible I may upgrade the analog components.

I'm using GroverHuffman power cables and speaker cables which I do not intend to ever change. 

Switched to Belden (Blue Jeans) interconnects last year.

awise1961
56 posts
 

I had felt that my system sounded very good, However, upgrading my preamp from my beloved Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 (2 chassis unit) to a truly reference level Aesthetix Callisto Eclipse preamp really allowed all of my other components to reach what they are capable of..

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
371 posts
 

After many years of playing with different components,   i am convinced that it is not that hard to find a good amplifier,  but a really good preamp is another story.  Like the ACE you got,  my new BAT did the same for me.  

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,066 posts
 

I agree. After rolling through a number of OK pres. I find the First Sound to make a very big improvement. Preamplifiers are very important. The First Sound made me realize that the others were various types of "pleasant", but they weren't revealing anything new in the music.

valentinofv
5 posts
 

Congratulations ronkent !!

I also got converted to BAT a few years ago after I auditioned a VK-51SE preamplifier (at that time I was using a PASS XP-20 Pre with a PASS X350.5 Amp and Avalon Ascendant Ceramic Speakers). I was amazed at what I heard.

Then I bought a VK-52SE Preamp and paired with a VK-255SE Solid State Amplifier and now I had the opportunity to upgrade my BAT Setup to BAT Rex II Preamp and BAT Rex II Monoblocks and Magico S3  MkII Speakers: Just beyond impressive performance! 
 

Enjoy in good health!

 

Antonio.

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