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.
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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- 46 posts total
@tykozen - it’s difficult to suggest options as your choices tube vs SS AND uncertainty in future speakers are flux. Speaker choices, especially sensitivity/efficiency, generally dictates acceptable amplifier power requirements. A inefficient speaker will require more power. A low power amp requires an efficient enough speaker. So suggestions for your ATC may not be ideal for your next speakers. Tube vs SS - you also seem unsure. Tubes typically have a warmer midrange, and typically have more limited power than SS unless you have larger amps with more heat and tubes. Tubes also allow tube rolling to customize the sound. SS typically performs better at the frequency extremes. Integrated vs separates - you also seem unsure. It seems the best choice is for you to demo speakers and gear to determine:
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I think there is a lot of gear out there that will make you happy. You have narrowed to two items. I have no opinion on that PrimaLuna. I have not heard it and have only heard older models. that said with BAT, pairing with an inexpensive preamp is a terrible idea. In fact, with BAT, assume you almost have to pair it with BAT to get the most out of it. I am not a BAT dealer but have had multiple items in on trade including an amp, preamp, phono combo and testing each piece individually I thought it was awful. Out of curiosity I set them up together and made a huge difference. I know it will work with other brands but that hear has to have correct electrical properties AND be fully differentially balanced. I am not saying get primaluna, just don’t get a BAT and off brand pre. You have told us about your speakers and a little about your likes and dislikes but I am not understanding your listening habits, room size, types of music you listen too, etc…. Also, what kind of phono stage. MM and MC or just MM. something like an Audia Flight FLS 9 w/ phono might be perfect for you but need to know more about music taste, etc… one thing that does seem clear is you do not like a cold sound. Steer clear of SoulNote as it will likely not be to your taste. It is wonderful gear, but will be a bit colder. |
Whoever told you older gear will not sound as good as newer is absolutely full of crap. Also the dealer who said BAT sounds awful is also. I've owned several pieces of BAT. Good stuff. To reiterate above, buy the best preamp you can. You may also want to consider Audio Research line. Not sure it's a good match with ATC though. Separates will sound better this i do know unless its really high dollar integrated.
Again, buy the best preamp you can :) |
- 46 posts total