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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
mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
951 posts
 

And next up is building a dedicated sound room, shortly into the new year.  Literally, adding on to the house and making a room addition that is dedicated to 2-channel high fidelity.  I think that, along with a properly designed set of room treatments, will be the highlight of my audio journey.

 

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
371 posts
 

" 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.  

ericba's avatar
ericba
44 posts
 

Interestingly, each move I've made was worthwhile. The PassLab XA25 class A amp is at the top of the list. But strangely enough it is the Cardas Clear interconnect that I got from a closing audio store with it that blew me away. It made everything come alive at once. The missing link, if I may say. 

mark200mph
234 posts
 

These blogs always cost me money coz then I have to try it.or do they save me coz I don't have to roll  pre amps to find a good one

vthokie83
932 posts
 

ronkent

I can whole heartedly agree, that adding an end game preamp was a game changing experience for my system; and I tested your BAT VK-80 preamp....and it truly is world class IMO. I chose another preamp, because the BAT's $10k was a few thousand dollars over my max budget.

I had recently added a couple of great amps (Aric Audio Transcend EL34 "push pull" and a CODA S5.5), and a new set of Clayton Shaw Caladan speakers.....and those were HUGE leaps in SQ; I would say my first "hi fi" and not "mid fi" components

However adding a an Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, just made everything nearly perfect. I'm not sure I would have thought that prior to owning the Motherlode, but that is because I had never owned a high end preamp. I am now a believer, for me the preamp was a great addition to any high end system.

I also believe that room acoustics is critical, and will have a dedicated and properly treated room finished by the end of the year.....with dedicated power of course.

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