bat vk-51se vs. audio research ref2mkii

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

I would not call the BAT VK-51SE a "tube hybrid". I own the 50SE.

One thing I will say about the BAT, it has a really superb user interface on both the unit and the remote that is very well thought out and hard to fault. Whether you prefer another preamp on sound quality is up to your tastes - but one can't complain about the ergonomics and the fit and finish on the BAT.

Regards,

still going backwards.

still going backwards.

You forgot the all important IMHO Jaybo.

IMHO, either would be a step forward, yes, I've heard the X-1, very nice.....for a solid state preamp.

I ultimately prefferred the VK-51SE over the AR Ref 2, better dynamics and larger soundstage, both were very good performers though. As always, YMMV.

Cheers,
John

Your Pass X350 Input has an input Impedance of 22 kohm balanced, 11 kohm unbalanced which may not be optimal for all tube preamps. ARC recommends 20K ohms minimum load for the REF II. ARC power amps usually have an input impedance of 100k or more. BAT claims "The unusual design of Balanced Audio Technology's preamplifiers allows their gain stages to drive loads with resistance much below what their specified output resistance ratings would imply." Just based on manufacturers claims, it would seem to favor BAT. But, the only true test is an audition with your own amplifier. Personally, I don't see why you wouldn't stay with a Pass Labs preamp. Same brand preamps and power amps are frequently synergistic matchups.