2. amps-preamps
  3. 190520-83420

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
ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
366 posts
 

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.

 

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,022 posts
 

Q:That Transformational piece of Gear We All Wish For.

A:Room treatment and it cost less than most other major bits and produces the greatest improvement.

I used Music City Acoustics. The first reflection point is the most important.

 

ronkent's avatar
ronkent OP
366 posts
 

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

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
179 posts
 

The introduction of the Gryphon Diablo 120 to the rotation of components has probably been the single biggest transformational moment. Paired with the right speakers, it’s end game for me… 

For my tube-based system, the introduction of the Linear Tube Audio Microzotl preamp was also up there. That preamp is just killer. 

markalarsen's avatar
markalarsen
651 posts
 

I just installed a BAT VK 80 preamp.  I agree: it was transformational.  Best money I have spent.

More to discover