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Move to Threshold Sl-10 from BAT VK-31SE

108.12.240.99
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 15:27:39
stakkall
 Hi, I am thinking of retiring my BAT VK-31SE preamp for a Threshold Sl-10. I am using a Basis Ovation with a ZYX Airy 3X-SB cartridge; a Soderberg modified Threshold S/500 drives a pair of Innersound Eros. I have heard such phenomenal good news about the Sl-10 despite its being an older preamp than the BAT, that it is difficult to resist the temptation to jump at the opportunity to invest in the Threshold. I would appreciate any ideas or insights from fellow members. Thanks

 

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RE: Move to Threshold Sl-10 from BAT VK-31SE, posted on July 20, 2014 at 16:56:15
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46291
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I'd be really curious to know what you might be hoping to hear in the Threshold that you're not hearing, or hearing enough of in the BAT. I had the BAT VK30SE so I'll hold off making any comments on it for now.

My BAT & CJ from over 10 years ago





 

RE: Move to Threshold Sl-10 from BAT VK-31SE, posted on July 20, 2014 at 17:10:15
stakkall
 I am hoping to get more of the sound that I heard from having owned the Threshold 10HL + FET 10PC combination: There was what I recall of neither solid state nor tube-like definition to the sound. The sound was incredibly neutral without analytical edge typically associated with solid state nor the fuzzy softness that is at times attributed to tube sound. Don't know why I sold the two-piece combo - haphazard decision-making to say the least at the time. It seems that the BAT, as good as it is, is missing the pinnacle of clarity and neutrality that I associated with the Thresholds.

In any event I want to reclaim the crystal clear, neutral presentation that I heard from the Fet 10 combo in the form of this new prospect, the Threshold SL-10. Hope this gives a clearer sense of what I am looking for in the Threshold that is wanting in the BAT.

 

RE: Move to Threshold Sl-10 from BAT VK-31SE, posted on July 20, 2014 at 19:45:02
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46291
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
I thought the BAT was a little 'dark' sounding, not very extended up top, but otherwise very nice and 'robust'. I couldn't get over the 'darkness' and wanted more sparkle up top so I moved on to other preamps.

Good luck.



 

RE: Move to Threshold Sl-10 from BAT VK-31SE, posted on July 20, 2014 at 20:12:50
stakkall
 Your examination speaks more directly to the essence of what I was trying to communicate. Though the BAT's dynamics are top notch, perhaps it's the 6H30 tube compliment that conveys the veiled darkness, perhaps it's the intrinsic nature of the circuit design. I simply do not and can not know.

The Thresholds I experienced exhibit a symbiosis of engineering design and musical integrity - neutrality - that is rare indeed reflecting in hindsight. Thank you for sharing thoughts.

 

Not older Threshold...Older BAT!!, posted on July 21, 2014 at 02:24:19
morricab
Distributor or Rep

Posts: 9178
Location: switzerland
Joined: April 1, 2005
 I would recommend that you find a used BAT VK-5i or VK-5se as these are, IMO, still the best sound preamps that BAT ever made. They are superb sounding with an overall neutral balance as well as being dynamic and transparent.

With the Threshold preamp you will miss the holographic soundstage that a top notch tube pre can provide.

 

RE: Move to Threshold Sl-10 from BAT VK-31SE, posted on July 21, 2014 at 08:29:00
mkuller
Audiophile

Posts: 38130
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: April 22, 2003
 ...I bought a new SL-10 in about 1980 - nearly 35 years ago.

It was one of the least satisfying preamps I have owned - I remember it sounding grainy and 2-dimensional.

In those days, Threshold was know for their amplifiers, not preamps.

I sold it and bought a used ARC SP-6b one of the best I've had.

My advice would be to stick with the BAT or move to a used ARC.

 

RE: Move to Threshold Sl-10 from BAT VK-31SE, posted on July 21, 2014 at 08:30:08
rick_m
Audiophile

Posts: 6230
Location: Oregon
Joined: August 11, 2005
 "perhaps it's the 6H30 tube compliment that conveys the veiled darkness, perhaps it's the intrinsic nature of the circuit design. I simply do not and can not know."

Bravo! Knowing that you don't know is knowing far more than those that don't. And it means that you can always learn more if you care to.

Buzz-words and marketing speak are poor substitutes for knowledge...

Rick

 

I second the BAT VK5i preamp!, posted on July 21, 2014 at 20:48:53
Cougar
Audiophile

Posts: 4583
Location: SoCal
Joined: June 25, 2001
 I heard this preamp at a high end store with a pair of Vendersteen 3a's and BAT amp. This was the best sounding system I have heard to date. really nice!

 

I have the BAT VK-30 preamp and, posted on July 21, 2014 at 21:07:39
Cougar
Audiophile

Posts: 4583
Location: SoCal
Joined: June 25, 2001
 when I first received it from a second owner it sounded good but I soon found out it had a loud pop when the mute was used. I checked it out and found it had bad output caps that were passing some DC. I replaced them with Jensen Copper foil PIO and the BAT VK-30 was on a whole different level than when I first received it. Soon after that I put in some different tubes 7dj8 and presto! a whole different sounding preamp and it was exactly what I wanted with really nice upper end and lows with very nice mids.

So in my experience, the BAT VK-30 preamp can be made a lot better with different tubes and output caps. soon I will install better power supply caps. But I'm sure it is also system dependent.

 

RE: Move to Threshold Sl-10 from BAT VK-31SE, posted on July 22, 2014 at 03:24:59
stakkall
 I suppose in coming to a decision I'll have to weigh my own positive Threshold impressions, the SL10's reference tenure in editing systems at Soundstream, Inc.(interesting to note that Soundstream's editing systems established prominence at Paramount, RCA, and the Department of Justice for bootleg analysis), and the variance in personal opinions.

Once again, thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts and best wishes.

 

ARC LS9 is very dynamic, posted on July 22, 2014 at 04:26:14
Feanor
Audiophile

Posts: 9864
Location: London, Ontario
Joined: June 17, 2003
Contributor
  Since: March 12, 2004
 My ARC LS9 is very dynamic in combination with my Pass X150.5 -- first combo I've owned that really make piano and other percussion really real.

The good news is that LS9's can be had quite cheap, say $800.


Dmitri Shostakovich

 

RE: Move to Threshold Sl-10 from BAT VK-31SE, posted on July 22, 2014 at 22:03:23
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46291
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
What I found interesting in comparing the VK30SE vs the ARC LS25mk2 was that the ARC was more transparent and had better top end extension, but didn't have the weight or robustness I heard in the VK30SE in the lower midrange and below. Both use the 6H30 tube yet both sound very different.







 

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