Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Bent Audio 102s kit Preamplifier (SS) by Atwood

Model:	102s kit
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$733 + shipping
Description:	Transformer based passive preamp with 2 inputs
Manufacturer URL:	Bent Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by Atwood ( A ) on April 20, 2003 at 21:44:40
IP Address: 203.244.105.64

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I was searching for a pre-amp to replace the Linn Classik that I was using only as a pre-amp. At the time there were a lot of threads on passive pre-amps and since I am using CD as my only source and wanted to spend as little as posible I started investigating passives. Looked at making a cheap DIY, then a DACT-based pre and finally the Bent, which is transformer and not resistor-based. Living in South Korea without easy access to electronic supplies, I didn't want to fool around with mods and upgrades, so I ordered the most expensive option, the Bent kit, figuring it would be the best.
I've done some DIY but the Bent kit was a step up and I had some difficulties. John Chapman was very helpful during the building process, but because there are many ways to configure the kit, the instructions were at times a bit lacking. Eventually, there was a grounding problem I couldn't track down so John asked me to send it back so he could finish it. Other people have built it with no problems whatsoever. The website has been updated to provide better instructions. As John told me, he was really just thinking of experienced DIYers when he started with the kits.The bigger unit is probably easier to build because there's more space to work with.
Anyway,I have to say it sounds great. It's very, very quiet in my system and trumps the Classik in every area. I'm loathe to get into audio speak, but what I'm most impressed with is how much more texture the music has. Metal guitar strings ring and you can hear the difference in how the strings are hit.This is just as true for horns. What has really surprised me is how well vocals are reproduced. I think I'm finally getting that great midrange of the Harbeths from my system. I first noticed it with Pentangle. I really listen to them for the instrumenttion and not the vocals but when Jacqui McShee lets loose on I've Got a Feeling I could listen to nothing but her voice. I'm really hearing what great singers can do, and also how good recordings can cover up weak voices (George Harrison on All Things Must Pass). The improvement on Alison Krauss's Forget About It was palpable. I used to think of this as weaker then her Union Station material, but no more.
There's also increased resolution. On All Things Must Pass's wall of sound you can differentiate the many instruments and overdubs fairly well. And its just as good at low listening levels as higher ones. But having just been to two live performances recently, I'm not going to tell you it sounds like the real thing.
The one criticism passives often get is lack of dynamics. I remember an early Mod Squad line drive that really shut things down. Well, the Bent is easily as dynamic as my Linn and has better bass as well. Plus, there's no interconnect problem; I'm using the standard 1.2 m Linns without any problems.
There's no remote control, but John now has a kit that can be retro-fitted. So far I'm not really missing the remote. The CD player remote has mute for when the phone rings.
I strongly recommend the Bent pre-amp. It may seem pricey for a kit but it uses top quality parts throughout and I feel I've gotten more than my money's worth. However, I haven't had that much to compare it against so YMMV. With a remote its about the same price as the Placette one input model but its nowhere nearly expensive as transformer based preamps like the Big Dog.

Product Weakness: Doesn't look like a high end product.
Product Strengths: Transparency, resolution, vocal reproduction, value, company support

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Linn LK140
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Bent
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Linn Ikemi
Speakers:	Harbeth Compact 7 ES-2
Cables/Interconnects:	Linn black interconnects, Chris VDH Cat5 DIY speaker
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, Pop, Folk, Jazz. Bluegrass
Room Comments/Treatments:	rugs, drapes
Time Period/Length of Audition:	one month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Target speaker stands, blu-tak, granite
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Doesn't look like a high end product.
Product Strengths:	Transparency, resolution, vocal reproduction, value, company support