2. amps-preamps
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BAT VK-5i more tube-like than new VK-50SE?

I just purchased a Krell FPB 600C and am looking for a good pre-amp. As I search through the forum, couple names kept popping up. One is BAT VK-5i and VK50SE, and the other is Sonic Frontier Line 3. One audiogon member said not to get the 50SE because you are paying a premium to get a solid state sound, and suggested to stay with the VK-5i. Can any one share some of their experience with me? I like a warm lush sound with a bit of bite.
molarmiler
gendut3
52 posts
 
Jeff Wu,

John is right get any BAT preamp if you have ARC amp or SS amp. In my taste i don't like BAT amp with BAT preamp they went too warm and little bit lack of detail and the soundstage was little unfocus.
jeff_wu
9 posts
 
John and Genduts. Thanks for your comments.
extremephono
123 posts
 
Hi,
The KBL is very good. I used BAT VK5 (not i), but modified with NOS. So I would say the performance is very close to i, only the volume control is different. The KBL is very good, and in fact, much better match with Krell power amp, but we used KSA250, then VK5.

I would say the VK5 sounds too slow. Also, my friend matched the FPB with Spectral DMC20.2, also very fine sounding, although in my system, I prefer VK5 to the Spectral.

Finally, I settled for VK5SE. (not 50SE). VK5SE is probably a good middle ground to have the 3D and slam of 50SE, but smooth and musical of 6922. This is the only preamp that can combined NOS and 6h30 to 'mix-n-match' the sound.
7p62mm
97 posts
 
I am curious how the VK-50SE compares to the SF Line 3. I own a Line 3 and am very happy with it. BAT's literature indicates that the new high performance 6H30 tubes yield high performance with a simpler circuit design then what is used in the Line 3. Tube availablility and cost may be an issue. Any comments folk's?
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