Placette pasive pre vs. BAT VK-50SE

MikeLavigne:
Small world ... Matt in Ottawa sent me a link to your system pics 2 days ago -> awesome setup you have !

- Andy

MikeLavigne:

Interested in your opinion on my situation, since you're familiar with my amp.

I've got a Berning ZH-270 that has it's own volume control, but no remote. IYHO, do you think I would be better off using a Placette RVC vs going direct from my EMC-1 cdp? Am using Quattro Fils IC. I always wonder if the addition of another IC offsets the transparency of the Placette.

I've got a Joule Electra LA-100 MkIII that is currently not in the system. I'm holding off until I've had time to evaluate the other new pieces of my system. I've just upgraded the NOS tubes in the Berning yesterday, as well as adding an Elrod EPS-2 to it. The Elrod really improved the dynamics, speed and focus. I'm assuming the Placette would be a more transparent way of getting a remote than the Joule?

Thanks.

Andy, Matt mentioned to me that you were enjoying the Placette....if you did want what a preamp can do, i highly recommend the #32 as a great one, i really enjoyed mine....it was right up there with any active preamp and as you know, it is a wonder to use. i looked at your AA system page, pretty great system you have yourself....i have never heard the Waveform speakers myself but they are suppose to be awesome....i do have a question....did you compare the dCS Elgar to your Wadia 27ix? i am curious how your Purcel works with either DAC. i preferred the Wadia to the Elgar when i compared them a couple of years ago but that was before the Purcel (it was with the 972).

regarding the Placette, i think it is very system-dependent as it reveals what is going on elsewhere in your system. i also believe there are possibly better passive preamps out there but none balanced with a remote volume control.....as basically a lazy guy i gotta have the remote....getting up and down ruins the mood for me. ;^)

both you and Matt sure have the techie video setups....you have the DLP and Matt just got the Plasma....i still have my clunky old CRT. i have a separate home theatre room but i spend all my time in my 2-channel room.....i'm trying to figure out how to put a plasma in my 2-channel room.....what i need is a "virtual screen"....maybe a holographic image that won't screw up my 2-channel sound.

hi Ken, at least i try to keep my opinions humble.

anyway, i would guess that the volume control that is in the Berning ZH-270 would be bettered by the Placette but when i had the Berning in my room i didn't try it with it's own volume control. typically, the arithmatic does not allow for the quality of Vishay stepped attenuator like the Placette in an amplifier in the price range of the Berning.

i have found that typically the quality and execution of any volume control is a much bigger issue that an additional interconnect in performance. any volume control changes the sound.....an interconnect passes the sound. i have owned the Nordost Quattro fil and it is an excellent interconnect and very neutral. so...IMHO...the Placette with an additional Quattro fil would sound better than the Berning volume control without the additional interconnect.

as far as the Joule verses the Placette the Placette is probably more transparent but not necessarily better in your system. Transparency is not everything.....you would need to compare the two and chose the more musically satisfying of the two. again, the Placette will not add any warmth or body, with the Berning ZH-270 being fairly neutral it would depend on your speakers.

i hope that helps.