Upgrade Phonostage


Have a BAT 10SE Phonostage with a MicroBenz LPS cartridge on a Classic Turntable. I am considering upgrading the phonostage with a superpak. Would love to hear from people who have upgraded to the superpak. What differences should I be hearing and is the upgrade worth the money. Have a Ref 3 preamp with a Pass Labs 350.5 amp and Final 1000 electrostatic speakers with a JL F110 sub. All comments appreciated.
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Showing 2 responses by jfrech

Hi I had your phone stage about 6-7 years ago and upgraded. The Superpak is a big deal. The tonality and everything you like about your P10SE stays, however everything is presented with ease and flow that your current phono stage just can't do. Background is a little quieter, allow more info (details, soundstage cues, etc) emerge better also.

It's definately a worthwhile upgrade given your cartridge (not sure what a classic TT is? VPI?). Also if you're not running a balanced tonearm cable, this should come before the superpak upgrade. (and a balanced cable to your ref 3)

The big caps in the BAT VKP10 SE SuperPak take a while to fully break in, but you notice the improvement immediately, just get's better over a month or two of playing time...

I do believe if you search, I posted some other comments here soon after I did the upgrade...good luck, post back if you do this and what your thoughts are...
I guess I should also say I replaced my VK P10SE Superpak with a Nagra VPS/VFS. Very happy ;-)...had the Nagra now a few years...

Also I know the Audio Research phono stages are getting great press...

So jmcgrogan2 has a point here...if your spending 2k +/- for the upgrade, you might as well check out other options. Looks like the 2 of us did and seem happier...

Where do you live? If you happen to be close by, welcome to stop by...