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How to determine Preamp "Power"? VTL 5.5 vs BAT SE

I would like to get a tube pre and amp that has a low end on the heftier side. I think I understand that a tube amp with KT88s will have a heftier bottom end than that of an EL34 system (right?). So I have begun looking at a tube pre that will support the bottom end of a KT88 amp.
VTL has a reputation for a strong bottom end. The VTL 5.5 LS pre uses these tubes: 2 x 12AX7, 4 x 12AT7. The BAT 3iX SE (for example) uses 2 6H30 and 2 6V6 tubes. I have read that the 6H30 tubes will give more power at the frequency extremes, eg bottom end than EL34 and even KT88 (yes? no?). If so, how would the pre "power" of the VTL 5.5 compare to the BAT SE in terms of bottom end heft? Or, am i looking at this all wrong? (tube newbie). Thanks!
128x1281graber2
1graber2's avatar
1graber2 OP
280 posts
 
THanks for all the input. Yes, I was afraid I was oversimplifying this comparison of pre output power based on tube types only. I actually have the BAT 300X SE hybrid integrated amp (150Watts) running a pair of Dali Helicon 400s. Im pretty happy with it for much of my music, but certainly not all, as I listen to a broad variety: the bottom end just gets a soft at times. I like BATs version of "musicality" and the fluidity it offers. I'm not searching for the "perfect" system, but want to try to move toward a tube pre/ SS amp to listen to most of my music. I plan to go to separates at some point, so am considering the VTL and BAT. I plan to try a Simaudio Moon W-3 (125 Watts +) or W-5 (190 Watts+) as my SS amp. The thing is that my listening room/bed room is only 12X15. The Dali's are almost too big already, so am shooting for a powerful amp to tighten the bass and achieve good sound at lower volumes.
Any feedback would be helpful.
Gary
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
Instead of changing equipment, consider adding a powered subwoofer to your setup?
semi
646 posts
 
have not owned BAT or VTL, but have owned some ARC and SF L3SE in the past. SF L3SE, despite its large power supply, does not offer as much bass weight as other reference class pre amp though the quality of bass is top notch.

if what you are after is tight and deep bass, check out Einstein pre amp. another pre amp to consider is EAR top model with transformer coupled output stage.
juancgenao
64 posts
 
I have owned both, BAT{vk-31se}, and VTL 5.5,in my opinion the VTL,has better tonality, very sweet sounding, not as dinamic as the BAT,but the bass and mid's of VTL are top notch,I'find BAT, sounds analitical and dry not as organic and fluid as the VTL,just need a good PC,like synergistic master coupler and you be in heaven, had to spend two times the price of VTL to upgrade, just my opinion.
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