Whenever i listen to music, i always throw a blanket over the TV set.
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hey Mammouth, ever think about going to a Dragon cord? there is no end to this wonderful madness.
but you are so right about there being nothing weak about this preamp. there is not one sonic attribute that it seems lacking in.
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they sure do make a difference.
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i am so amazed by the improvement the BAT VK80 wrought, that i am now considering one of their SS amps for 2025. I do not mind tubes in a pre-amp, but do not want to go tubes in an amp. i do agree with immathewj that a new piece can be a bit of a drug high, but i have waited to make sure i was not deluding myself.before writing my review
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We are blessed that we were able to find these pieces of gear. i bet that VK 255SE is fantastic. For 2025, i am contemplating their new REX 300 SS amp but i have to start saving for sure.
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" I upgraded to a BAT VK-90 last year and was amazed at the improvement of space between instruments and the air around vocals. BAT is an outstanding brand of product, as is the company and people there. I really don't think I will change to another brand, but I am likely to continue to upgrade within the BAT line of products." MAMMOTHGUY YOU NAILED IT. that is exactly what i have found regarding the sonic attributes, and Steve B is fantastic to work with. i think i will not be looking at any other brand either. right now i use a really fine Coda 16 amplifier, but my next move will be a BAT amp..
A dedicated sound room sounds wonderful and i hope you get it. i have a pretty decent room but it is not a dedicated room. check out my virtual system.
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Silly Tweaky me: they are a bunch of old brass Mapleshade footers that i just use as extra weight to maybe damp any vibrations. do they work? i have no idea as i just stuck them there knowing they cannot hurt at least
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vthokie63
The BAT preamp is so marvelous. you sound like you have a great system. i have a Coda 16 amp and while i have no complaints at all with it, someday i will try a BAT SS amp in my system.
FWIIW i find the PS Audio P20 power plant to be an indispensable piece of gear. a properly treated room is also very important and that is not all that hard to do
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Ericba
I think my friend Bob M. would agree with you on the Cardas Clear. I have the clear reflection but my understanding is that the Clear really is the one have.
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HAPPY FOURTH TO ALL AND HAPPY LISTENING
PS: i neglected to list my two REL 812 subs in my list of gear at the top of the page.
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Esoteric does make great gear and it looks great as well. My neighbor has Esoteric preamp and SACD player. nice stuff
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wow, not sure what to say. 500 hours should be more than enough. Mine has improved in the month since i got it but still not at 500 hours. the sound stage is very large and immersive (depending of course on the recording). and the jump factor is amazing. i use a Coda 16 amp and it is a killer for sure, but someday i hope to try a REX 300. i do use two REL subs and they are very important in getting the kind of sound i like
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hi agbrace, that is wild. that is the exact opposite of what i am experiencing. this beast has great dynamics and slam, and is anything but polite. i wonder if the tubes are getting old as your description is so far from what i am experiencing.
are you the original owner?
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hi AGBRACE, i am just fishing here but maybe it needs a different power cord. I am using the AQ hurricane source
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it is a beautiful insanity for sure
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Mammothguy: what do you use for amplification\? i currently use a Coda 16 which i really like, but in 2025 i really hope to try out a BAT REX 300.
I am now a true BAT MAN
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you would be surprised at the improvement it can make. it is not a power conditioner, it is a power re-conditioner. I would try one as they have a totally easy return policy if you do not like it. i have owned probably five of their power plants since the premier power plant came out way back. i consider the P20 to be a core part of my system.
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hi WhiteCap, what REX did you get as there are a few. i really am contemplating a REX 300 amp in 2025 but it has to be mighty good to beat my Coda 16 amp.
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@mammothguy54
"Ultimately, my end-game system, in total. Life is too short, enjoy it while we are able". boy ain't that the truth. you must be in your late 60's or early 70's to be saying that? I am 71 and figure it is (to misquote the Thing) music time. The 500 is out of my price range and weight and size range (as it is too deep for my audio rack). The Coda 16 is fantastic (I am selling the Coda 07X preamp because the VK 80 was so much better), so someday i will take the 60 day trial from MD and try the REX 300. If it does not kick the Coda butt then i will know what comes next.
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wow that should be some interesting comparisons. please let me know what you find out.
i almost bought one of those amps but was intimidated by the size and the weight. had shoulder surgery recently and the thought of moving my 100 LB. Coda out of the system, and the 120 lb. 655se into the rack was a bit more than i could handle. plus my rack is 18" deep and the 655 is 23" deep
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thanks and true. but the way things are set up i have to live with the configuration. truthfully just the thought of lifting those beasts gives me pause. i had shoulder surgery recently and am not a big guy anyway. i am thinking long term about the REX 300 amp because its size is manageable
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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.
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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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wow now that is a serious upgrade. my neighbor who had the MK II's, did end up selling them and got a set of the MK III. i heard them but not being that familiar with his room and setup, I could not comment on the improvement. i know both iterations sounded great to me but he really thinks it was a big improvement.
wish you lived in the hood; would really enjoy hearing your setup. i am in Greensboro NC.
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you are so right about acoustics. have used a combination for years and the most important spot, is as you say, the first reflection point. i use mostly diffusive devices and avoid treatment that only absorb
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hi Mark, Thanks for your response. i am so impressed by the VK-80. Now i am thinking about getting a REX 300 amp next year. have not heard one, or even read about it, but i bet it is a killer. my current amp, a Coda 16, is a terrific unit and it may be that the Bat does not really improve on it but i have such confidence in the BAT gear.
So you got a pair of FR20's? they too are on my list of things to consider. I am using Thiel 3.7 speakers, and so far i have really not heard anything (that i can afford) that really improves on them. They are amazing speakers. and yes the DSD DAC II is a fantastic unit.
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