BAT vk-3ix and Parasound Halo A21 match?

I didn't mean to sound harsh or anything, but if you read your origional post, it does seem like you are a bit unsure as to your decision. That's why I thought you were guessing. Also, BAT and Parasound are very different sounding products, in general. That threw me off as well.

The upside to this is that you shouldn't have any trouble at all getting the amp and the preamp to work together from a technical standpoint. As far as sound quality goes, you'll probably be very happy, as well. I've always felt that the preamp is the most overlooked component in most peoples systems. If you don't get it right its just one problem after another. In your case, the BAT will probably be the strongest component in the system. That's a very good thing. Everything should get better: imaging, resolution, transparency, dynamics should all be enhanced from what they now are. I think you will be surprised at just how big the difference will be.

Milpai,

Is your passive unit balanced? Also, what do you have going into it for a source? I don't mean to pry but I'm a big fan of passive preamps. Not that many people see the value in using them so its always good to get opinions from other users.

To the OP, I posted a reply after reading your reply to mine. That was about 4-5 hours ago. I hope it turns up. I just wanted to clarify that I think you made a very good decision to go with the BAT. I list a few reasons why.

I've been torn about getting a preamp at all since the NAD works quite well as preamp (as it was designed to do). Just saw that stereophile just did a review of my DAC and gave what seemed quite favorable review - for whatever that's worth. I don't put too much value on reviews anyway.

My concern is am I adding less transparency and purity by adding another component in the chain. However my hope is the "tube" opens doors to the music for my Thiels as many claim it do for mixing the tube pre with SS amp. Fingers X'd. I've wanted to add a BAT for a while but they were out of my price range, and though I really didn't need it the price was right and I grabbed it. Worse thing that could happen is I end up with a nice piece of equipment.

Zd542,
My passive unit is a dual mono TVC that is completely balanced. My source is a Marantz SA8260 SACD player with RCA outs. The CDP outputs 2.2V whereas the A21 has a sensitivity of 1V for full output. Even with the RCAs in place from TVC to A21, the volts were 2.2 as it is now. I do not understand how the XLR affected the performance. So I assume that the A21 is optimized for XLR connection.
Yes, I love the TVC. The only negative against the TVC is - it does not have a remote...but who cares?
The XLR from TVC to the Parasound A21 made the biggest difference in my system. I should have done it on day 1 when I got the A21...but who knew.