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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

ronkent

Showing 3 responses by lalitk

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,632 posts
 

@kerrybh

Who did you hire to do room acoustics? I agree, room acoustics is first and foremost thing to do before we embark on gear swapping/tweaking.

Speaking of transformational gear…Shindo (tubes) and Accuphase (solid state). You can put together an end game system around them.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,632 posts
 

@kerrybh

Thank you for sharing. I am glad to hear someone is helping with room acoustics. I relied on GIK Acoustics expertise when I did my room few years back. I checked out Artnovion, looks pretty cool. Please post pictures of your room here once you’re done!

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,632 posts
 

@vthokie83

I had a great experience with GIK. From consultation to buying, the whole process was pretty painless. I never felt rushed and completed my installation in 3 phases. Be patient and open to experimenting with acoustic panel placement. First order is critical, which should address 1st reflections and some diffusion in your room. It’s a balancing act as you could easily go overboard :-) 

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