BAT vk-3ix and Parasound Halo A21 match?

Not sure why I keep double posting when I ask a question from my I pad. Sorry

How is the bass

Yes i did read the stereophile article and did read his concerns.

On the other hand the Thiels only go down to 32 hz so .2'at 20 hz seems ssomewhat irrelevant. I use Purist audio cables which have low capacitance and are only 14' in length anyway.

I went to BAT's website and they say minimum input amp impedance on the amp should be 10k, though I'm sure that is just a guideline.

I guess I'll know for sure once I get it in and hook it up.

ZD542, my only option is to try gear since there are no stores near me nor anyone else with the type of gear I would like to hear that could let me borrow it. But what i have found years ago, even if I could hear the equipment in a store, if it wasn't my same system in the store, not to mention the same room it always sounded way different anyway. The only component I've ever been reasonably able to audition in a store and get a similar sound at home with is speakers. I didn't decide on BAT by chance, I did research on equipment that worked well with my particular gear and budget. I already own the amp, so that's a fixed variable. Trust me if I could hear all the gear before I purchase I would, even considering the issues with store auditions, but that is not my reality.

I do use the XLR inputs, that was one of the reasons the BAT made my short list. I run xlr from the DAC as well. And I agree with you on the difference between the balanced vs. unbalanced.

No problem Zd542, I took you're comments as good advice, if I was unclear that was my fault. It may end up that the Parasound isn't the best match in the world, but if it sounds even a little better then what I have now I'll be extremely happy since I'm pretty happy with what I have now. If for whatever reason it doesn't I'll begin looking for a used SS BAT amps in the future. I'd love to go tubes, but my pockets aren't deep enough for high power tube amps - even used.

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.