1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 197527-132096

BAT amp + cheap pream vs BAT integrated vs Prima Luna integrated

Hi all, this is my first post ever here in Audiogon. I am going to buy my first proper Hifi setup and am really going bonkers with all the possible configurations and combinations, and tbh so little data. I tend to like detail so in the beginning i discarded tubes. Separate amp and preamp is a wish, having read only but praises about this. I have read many great things about Prima Luna and am considering tubes now, to be specific, the Evo 300 hybrid, which is the closest any integrated amp will get to separate amp and preamp. But there is an option i have not read about too often: GREAT amp (BAT VK 90t) and since this will break my budget, a small and cheap preamp like a Schiit Freya or another preamp that does not impact the sound of the amp negatively too much (with the wishful thinking of buying a proper BAT preamp in the future, god and wife allows). AND, to add complexity, this configuration vs the BAT VK80t integrated amp.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

tykozen
tykozen OP
19 posts
 

I did not make a profound analysis of all the integrated amps that are available in the market. I did not say there are no other very good integrated amps either. I stated that, watching the pictures of an EVO, and reading the specs, you can tell that the unit is almost literally an amp on top of a preamp. They are even separated by a metal casing. I have not seen that anywhere, not even in the EVO 400 integrated amp pure tube. 

Having said that, any suggestions on other options, or comments on the topic i mentioned in my original post are welcome. 

wharfy's avatar
wharfy
564 posts
 

@tykozen -What's your budget, speakers and music preferences? Knowing that will help.

patrickalston
163 posts
 

You'll see from my virtual system that Im a huge BAT fan.  Forget the 90t and buy either the Rex I amp at TMR or two VK-60s and convert them to.mono.  then find a vk-52se preamp.  

facten
3,119 posts
 

@tykozen  "I stated that, watching the pictures of an EVO, and reading the specs, you can tell that the unit is almost literally an amp on top of a preamp. They are even separated by a metal casing."

Sorry but this is what you wrote "I have read many great things about Prima Luna and am considering tubes now, to be specific, the Evo 300 hybrid, which is the closest any integrated amp will get to separate amp and preamp."  hence my comment.  I'll end with that . Good luck 

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
1,009 posts
 

Should we not start with what speakers are you going to use with this amplifier? Also, what is your general genre of musical appreciation?

More to discover