2. amps-preamps
  3. 1148315516

bat vk-51se vs. audio research ref2mkii

thinking about buying a bat vk51se or an audio research ref2mkii. looking for help in deciding between the two.

amyone with experience with these 2 great preamps would be greatly appreciated.

my system consists of:
wadia 861se
vpi hrx
manley steelhead ver.2
pass labs x1 preamp
pass labs x350 amp
wilson watt/puppy ver.7
all cabling(interconnects and speaker) nordost valhalla
all inerconnects balanced or using adapters

thanks, and i would appreciate any and all opinions in regards to the bat and a.r., when compared up against my system and knowing that the new prepamp will replace my x1.

dr. keith zeliger(klzdo)
klzdo
klzdo OP
10 posts
 
one more thing to add, i have considered a ref3, however i can not afford the price tag at present or in the forseeable future.

thus i am looking at a preowned vk51se or ref2mkii

i would really appreciate any one who has used or listened to these peices to gover me their input as to pros and cons of each.

thanks,
klzdo
robbyg
28 posts
 
I would keep the X-1 and upgrade the X-350 to the .5 version. In my opinion the X-1 is superior to your choices.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
i agree with robbyg....the pass labs amp to the others is kind of going backwards. the x350 is a benchmark amp design.
sigmund
25 posts
 
I would also like to reinforce the previous opinions. However great the X350 is, the X350.5 is a quantum leap forward in nuance, detail and musicality. That change will give you a sure improvement in sound. The preamp change will be sidewaby at best. The WP7's will really let yoiu appreciate the ap change.

Richard
klzdo OP
10 posts
 
thanks for the opinions, but i am not going to upgrade the 350 to a 350.5. i am very happy with the 350 and wp7's.

however i am going to change the preamp to a tube hybrid and am looking for opinions on the vk51se vs the ref2mkii.

klzdo
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