2. amps-preamps
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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
ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
366 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
7,977 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.

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,602 posts
 

Once you think you've got your system dialed in to where there is not much left to improve, you'll be amazed if you replace your preamp with great a Transformer Volume Control.  but expect to pay 20K or more.

jerry

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
366 posts
 

thanks Antonio.  i hope someday to audition and perhaps purchase the new REX 300 amp.  i do not mind tubes in a preamp but going to take the easy road and go SS for the amp.   Funny you replaced your Pass preamp with a BAT, as i did the same thing sort of.  I replaced my Pass XP22 with a Coda 07x which i liked better,   but the sound seemed a tad lifeless or anemic.  Then i got The BAT and it improved on every parameter of sound.  They make some really killer stuff and it is made in this country.

I heard a pair of those speakers at a neighbor's home  of mine.   really impressive for sure

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