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BAT VK75 vs. BAT VK75SE - which is more euphonic?

I'm thinking about getting a BAT VK75SE. But I like a tuby sound. At the same time, I like a very, very clean sound in the top...as little distortion as possible. So I'm debating--might I like a straight, non-SE version better? Might it be a bit warmer, a bit softer on the highs (good things in my book, given that most things seem a bit too bright for me). Or would the non-SE version be a bit muddy, and not so clean in the top? I'm coming at this from an ARC VT100 mkiii that I use on Harbeth M30's, always in the 4 ohm tap, because the 8 ohm tap is just too bright for me. (I guess that the VK75 has 4 and 8 ohm taps also?)

Who has compared these two closely and can give me some advice?
eweedhome
dgarretson
2,394 posts
 
As mentioned the SE version sounds better. This is partly due to the 6H30 input tubes, and partly to additional regulated power supplies inside.
trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Hello Eweedhome,

I find the quality of the highs is what counts. I think you'll find the treble of the VK-75se to have much less grain and more refinement than the ARC.

This quality will let you listen into the music on the recording instead of being pushed away and fatigue setting in.

Good luck,
Tom
rodman99999
3,557 posts
 
You mentioned that you like a "tubey" sound. By purchasing the SE version you will be restricted to the sound of the 6H30(6H30P, 6H30P-DR/EV/EB) tube, which I've never heard described as "tubey". If you were to opt for the VK-75, you would have a plethora of alternatives, IE: NOS RCA VT-231, black plates/Raytheon VT-231, flat black plates/National Union VT-231(all 40's bottom getters) which all have a warmer, "tubier" presentation(which is why I didn't keep them in my amps) while still delivering excellent imaging, dynamics, bass extension, detail and timbre(without glare or stridency). Here are some other options/descriptions from the 6SN7 family of tubes: (http://home.att.net/~chimeraone/6sn7sound.html)
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
Rodman's advice sounds particularly good in your case as you seem to be a man who knows exactly what he's looking for sonically. I'm a new convert to tube exploration and I couldn't be happier that I'm finally on board. Components are now gelling in ways that I wasn't achieving through other system changes.
trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Eweedhome,

From my experience I can tell you that the treble of the VK-75se will be more extended, detailed, have more air and be less forward in nature then the VK-75. I feel these qualities make the 75se "less" fatiguing.

Also, the bass will be more defined and extend lower with the 75se. Dynamics, yet another area of performance the SE has over the non-SE.

The VK-75 will have a fatter, plumper more forward mid-range. I know for some this character can suit their tastes and systems. If that's what you are looking for I think the VK75 may be more to your liking.

IMO (as you can tell) I hear the VK75se as being the more accurate better machine and just on another level of fidelity. No offense meant to others, but I don't think any amount of tube rolling is ever going to change that.

Good luck,
Tom
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