With the PerfectWave on the way, I now have a balanced source. My KGSS is balanced as is my McCormack DNA 1 (will be shipped for repairs Monday). I'm looking for a pre that will allow me to go balanced out to the McCormack and use a balanced loop out to the KGSS. The only one I can find in the under $2000 price range is the BAT VK-5i. Wyred 4 Sound has a preamp with 2 balanced outs. I emailed them to see if they could make one of them a loop or tape out. I know that BAT gear is supposed to be excellent so it is a possibility. I am curious if someone else knows of any other in the under $2000 range.

Thanks

Pass Labs X2.5. You'd have to find one used. The newer Pass preamps do not have a balanced loop out.

http://www.passlabs.com/pdf/old%20product%20manuals/x2.5_om.pdf

EDIT: Looks like the Aleph-P would work too. Those come up on A'gon quite often.

http://www.hififever.com/forum/files/apman_134.pdf

Edited January 30, 201016 yr by Hopstretch

GS-X

Sorry just over 2000.

A Beta 22 could be made that way...

Go with the BAT. They sound great, have a fairly low output so they match up with a variety of amps, and very reliable. If you can hold out I like the 31SE alot and they pop up around your price range. They are a little more flexible as far as inputs and outputs than the 5i. The 5i seem to resell faster though, in case you dont want to keep it. Plus they sound great with cheap tubes.

You could do worse than BAT.

(looks over at his Aleph-P that is as of yet unhooked up)

Just realized that that sounds like I'm saying the Aleph P is worse -- I'm not, I have no idea.

I'll second Chris's suggestion of the GSX.

I'd go with the BAT. Not a VK-5i, but a VK-3i or VK-3ix and pocket the remaining cash. I've owned both and they are very similar. I'd rank them VK-3ix > VK-5i > VK-3. If you go this route, I'd strongly recommend trying out the BAT phono card option.. It's way better than it should be.

I think you can also get an Aesthetix Calypso on Audiogon in that price range. I haven't heard them in a while but last time I did I thought they performed on about the same level as the BAT preamps.

GS-X

That was certainly my first thought. Ticks all the function and performance boxes, with a top-shelf headphone amp a great bonus.

I think you can also get an Aesthetix Calypso on Audiogon in that price range. I haven't heard them in a while but last time I did I thought they performed on about the same level as the BAT preamps.

Agreed, but I think the 3-series BAT is a steal at the typical sale prices. The 3ix is the one I'd pit against the A C.

The BAT 3-series do not have a balanced tape out, do they?

That BAT VK-5i on Agon looks pretty damn sweet and is available.

And I too see only one balanced output on the 3 series.

Edited January 30, 201016 yr by Voltron

The Aleph P is absolutely fantastic and incredibly versatile with multiple SE and balanced ins and outs. Plus it sounds awesome and is super well built, expect nothing less from a commercial pass product.

The BAT 3-series do not have a balanced tape out, do they?

hm.. i see that they don't.. heh. good catch! I'm sure it could be "added" though

I think you can also get an Aesthetix Calypso on Audiogon in that price range. I haven't heard them in a while but last time I did I thought they performed on about the same level as the BAT preamps.

These two sound very different. The Aesthetix is brighter and airier and tipped from the lower midrange up in balance, with a little better soundstage depth. The BAT will be a little darker and have a fuller, bigger, more fleshed out sound, with some of the best bass out there but not as resolving up top. The BAT is MUCH quieter than the Aesthetix. I had both here for close to a month and sent the Aesthetix (calypso) back and kept the 31SE.

This is not to say the Aesthetix is bright or the BAT dark, just in comparison to each other.

Thanks for the input. I would love to spend less than $2000, if possible so will look at the Aleph P as a possibility. I hadn't thought about a GSX. I would love to have a remote which would rule out the GSX, it's over my price range and I have the b22. From what I recalll, I thought the b22 was probably not the best candidate for a preamp.

I made an offer on the BAT VK-5i.

Edited January 30, 201016 yr by tyrion

Some models of the Aleph P come with a remote option. Just FYI: they don't all have this capability.

Some models of the Aleph P come with a remote option. Just FYI: they don't all have this capability.

Thanks for the tip. I was not aware of this.

I made an offer on the BAT VK-5i.

Good idea!

It's been available for 11 days so I went a little low.

Good Luck, Hope you get it!

Sell all that useless headphone gear and join your west coast brethren

Doshi Alaap II For Sale | AudiogoN

I would have to sell more than the useless headphone gear to join my brother on the West coast. I did see that and it is sweet. I wonder if my wife would notice that the guest bathroom was not redone.

Sell all that useless headphone gear and join your west coast brethren

Doshi Alaap II For Sale | AudiogoN

Why would somebody buy a piece like that, wait for it to be built, etc, and then sell it within a month? I mean, I know I am in a Mike thread here, but he would never do something quite like that. I don't understand the thought process.