2. amps-preamps
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BAT or Cary Pre with BAT VK-55?

I recently sold my BAT VK-300x SE integrated (great piece by the way) with the original intent of going to a BAT pre/power combo. The goal was to get a more "toobey" sound than the integrated provided and get the sonic benefits of separates.

I already have the VK-55, and briefly ran that with the pre-out of the integrated, which sounded very good. I was planning on going with the VK-3ix or VK-31 if I could afford it, but have run across very positive info on the Cary SLP-98 (standard and F1 version). I have not heard either one yet, and plan to buy used, so auditioning before buying is not an option.

The rest of my system is Esoteric MG-10 monitors, Esoteric SA-10 CD/SACD player, VPI Scout, and SimAudio LP5.3 phono stage.

I do like the BAT house sound, although it can be slightly rolled off in the treble with a hint of darkness. I don't know if the Cary is more or less extended in the treble and "air" as the BAT. I cannot run balanced connections with the Cary, which is the only minus feature wise when comparing the two.

Thoughts on the BAT VK-3ix or a Cary SLP-98 with the VK-55?
Ag insider logo xs@2xmekong56
brf
1,699 posts
 
Get the Cary SLP-98 with F-1 upgrades and have it direct coupled which will give you more air, dynamics and bass slam. The F-1 is a BIG upgrade to the original SLP-98.
beerdraft
198 posts
 
I think you should leave BAT with BAT since you say you like the bat sound.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
mekong56 OP
117 posts
 
Thanks for all of the responses guys. I am leaning towards a BAT pre at this point. Probably can't go wrong with either.
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Hi Mekong56,

I favor the BAT combo...synergy :-)

Best,
Sam
bobf1717
14 posts
 
found this thread most interesting as i am both a bat and cary fan. the bat vk 5i pre is very nice, even with it's age. recently upgraded tubes for $350 was like getting a new piece of gear. i tried the vk 55 tube amp and was not "wowed" by it. i once had a pair of AES (cary) six packs and wish i had them still as they were as smooth and silky in sound as i heard tubes could be. my gal even noticed...she called it a "creamy dreamy" sound. but, the heat of the tubes was unbearable in the warm seasons so i went to the bat ss vk-220 with bat pac. a very nice combo for the spring/summer. very happy with this pairing. but, again, i miss the tube sound that goes really well with a fire and cold weather. so i am going to find myself a cary tube amp of some sort and have a perfect mate for the full time bat pre and its ss sibling. which cary? well, my cary sli-80 int that sits in a box unused goes for +/- $2k on a-gon so that's my cary amp budget. my speakers are sonus faber strads and the gear above works well enough for me although others might increase their budgets to higher levels. i did have a mac int 6600 and loved the blue glow but found the bat and cary better suited for my ears. hope this helps.
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