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!
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I didn't see your budget, but there is a BAT VK-52SE here on Audiogon. This is a reference level model that has an upgrade path the Rex series. Add a single VK-60, and the right speakers, and you'll be very happy. There's also a beautiful pair of classic Krell KMA-160s for a reasonable price: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbh66a-krell-kma-160-solid-state
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My budget is around $10,000 for amp, preamp, and phono preamp. I have read, and been told, that there is no gain in sonic sound on going for older components, even if they were, in their time, reference standard quality. That is the main reason why I have been checking for new components mainly. IDK if a 20 years old Krell will sound better than a similarly priced new amp. |
You will keep those speakers, soooooo 1. Solve enough SS power for those speakers so you can enjoy them. New, or Used Amp, local to verify/listen with a warranty/return option. 1b. Select an amp that can be Stereo OR Mono, to have the option of a pair of Mono Blocks, get a 2nd one IF even more power is needed. Note: often, when bridged Mono, low impedance is not advised, or even possible. IOW, you find a great offer on a mid powered amp you think MIGHT be enough power, but only living with it for a while will reveal the truth, at least there is a way to get more power. 2a. Phono Stage, I am a fan of Tube MM and add a 2b. SUT for existing or future LOMC. 3a. Tube Preamp, with remote volume, or 3b. Vintage Tube Preamp, full featured, get remote volume from 3c. Chase Remote Line Controller RLC-1 My efficient speakers, I risked USED Tube Amp (Cayin A88T) and USED Vintage Tube Preamp (McIntosh mx110z with Tube MM Phono). I use a Chase RLC-1 for remote volume/mute/balance. I enjoyed the mx110z for a few years, then had Audio Classics overhaul it. When I finally got LOMC, I added a Fidelity Research FRT-4 SUT so I could continue to use the mx110z’s Tube MM Phono IOW, If you get a nice tube preamp with tube MM Phono, and use a SUT for any Low Output cartridge, then you only need get a SS Amp and A Tube Preamp with MM Phono to get going, add a SUT later; overhaul a working vintage item later.
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Fully agree with @oddiofyl . The preamp is key. If you cannot invest in two good separates go with a good integrated. Synergy with the speakers is also a key consideration. |
