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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 really appreciate all the comments and suggestions here!

SO my understanding from all this thread is that the biggest impact in sound quality is the preamp, and the amp would bring the juice. If I were to have separates amp and preamp, the 4 options are:

1- SS amp + SS preamp

2- Tube amp + tube preamp

3- SS amp + tube preamp

4- Tube preamp + SS preamp

In my case, having ATC 85 dB sensitivity, i would need an SS amp and if i want some tube characteristics, a Tube preamp. 

I did not add the option of a SS CLASS A vs AB amplification. 

Just one clarification, i am not married to tube sound, that is to say, the whole point of thinking about tubes is to counter-effect the extra clarity of the ATCs. Meaning, from what i have read, going for SS amp and preamp in AB would bee too much hardness. So the tube option came into place. BUT need to clarify i still like clarity, not in a way that is going to drill into my ears though. 

So for example, the combination: a BAT or Prima Luna preamp with a Krell, ATC or Pass Labs amp, would be a good combination, right? 

SO i guess a tube preamp with a class a amp is the best option for now.

So now my question is: what equipment specifications would indicate the best synergy between them? 

wharfy's avatar
wharfy
564 posts
 

From my experience you want an amp/pre-amp combo that has matched, or closed gain matching. This will assure your pre-amp drives your amp without distortion or clipping.

sc53's avatar
sc53
748 posts
 

Don’t leave Ayre out of the equation. Used pieces are available for reasonable prices and their stuff lasts forever. I’ve never even blown a fuse in 30+ yrs of various Ayre amps. 
*correction I did blow a fuse turning my VK-5 Twenty up to 90 on a pair of Maggie’s on a Springsteen track. Hadn’t blasted like that since college (50 yrs ago). Fuse was easily replaced once I figured out where it was (consulted dealer). 

kennyc
2,880 posts
 

@tykozen … from what i have read, going for SS amp and preamp in AB would bee too much hardness

False- AB amps have unique sonic signatures and their sonic qualities differ. Some inexpensive ones may be strident/bright while some reach the “fool you it’s real” level. Many top speakers run AB amplification.

As mentioned before, the OP would be better served by going out to demo equipment for themselves- speakers and their amplification. 

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