2. amps-preamps
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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
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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