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In Reply to: RE: Tube Amp with Thiel 2.4s posted by DKL on June 05, 2016 at 17:59:09
9 years ago, I started blogging about the BAT VK-300x SE:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
I never did complete the review. Nevertheless, I did use the VK-300x SE with my Thiel CS2.4. That combination does have potential.
First of all, we have to assume that you have top-notch and copacetic source components.
The VK-300x SE does a terrific job of preserving soundstage depth. That has obvious benefits for orchestral works. But you'd be surprised at what a plus that is for popular music. That separation of images in the depth plane gives music breathing room. With any studio recording, your mind is then free to explore, and get lost in, the music.
The VK-300x SE doesn't harden textures. This can mitigate the CS2.4's sometimes static and detail-at-the-expense-of-expression personality.
Sorry, I do not have any photos, showing the VK-300x SE and CS2.4 together.
In terms of sonic match with the CS2.4, I preferred the VK-300x SE over the Jeff Rowland Continuum 250 (too dry and sterile), Mark Levinson No. 383 (lifeless), and Simaudio I-7 (a mild warmth spread over the entire spectrum becomes fatiguing).
-Lummy The Loch Monster
Follow Ups:
I owned two BAT's previously, and would have to say they were runners up only to my current Neodio NR600 Signature. I didn't pair the BATs with Thiel speakers, but they did power various offerings from Tyler Acoustics, Joseph Audio, and Merlin. The fondest and possibly most profound experience, oddly enough, was when listening to local FM stations over my MD-102 tuner from Magnum Dynalab. The staging and decay were eerily lifelike.
When I was still in the mode of "auditioning by owning" a series of integrated amps several years ago, I corralled, at various intervals, lightly used versions of the Ayre AX-7e, YBA Passion 100, Coda Continuum Ultra, Electrocompaniet EC-3, Primare I-30, Simaudio I-5, Audio Analogue Puccine SE (real sleeper), Accuphase E-350, Plinius 8150, Cayin 265Ai (Class A), and a few others that obviously didn't leave an impression. The BAT, to my ears and through my system, was easily the most musical, non-fatiguing, and effortless sounding amp of the bunch. These amps were rotated among my separates (Bel Canto SEP-2 and Belles 150 Reference, Muse 160, Conrad Johnson PV-11) for reference purposes. If I hadn't discovered the Neodio, I'd live happily ever after with the BAT. I even preferred the BAT over my one-time combo of Rogue 99 Magnum preamp and Model 88 power amp.
I went through a short list of "auditioning by owning" solid-state integrated amps for my office which is also my main listening room these days. I ended up keeping the the Ayre AX-7e.
The 60wpc Ayre AX-7e powers a pair of Tannoy Definition D500 speakers but I have yet to try it on my Thiel CS2.4 which are stored in the basement. I know that my 100wpc Rogue Cronus Magnum tube amp will easily drive the Thiels but I suspect the Ayre might struggle.
Bobby Palchovic (RIP) of Merlin was a big fan of the Ayre. It sounded fine with my Merlins, but I missed the tube preamp finesse of my separates. I did prefer the Ayre to the YBA Passion and most of the other SS amps I owned back then. The hieroglyphic buttons are cool too :)
Thanks! for sharing- Abe & DKL.
Much Thanks! DKL
I've always wanted to try the BAT VK-300SE or the new VK-3000SE. I had the Jeff Rowland Concentra II for a while which was OK. Your description of the Mark Levinson No. 383 (lifeless) mirrors mine. A lovely amp to look at but that's about it. I always felt the No. 383 is what they use to power elevator music. ;-)BAT's new VK-3000SE
Edits: 06/07/16
Abe-
what is/are the difference(s) between the 300/3000 SE?
I don't know the answer to your question except that the VK-3000 SE replaces the previous model VK-300 SE.
Another great pic! Lummy
this is exactly what I am looking for a comparison (of sorts) between integrated amps. I like the fact that you had B.A.T. Simaudio and Mark Levinson along for the audiophile ride.
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