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In Reply to: Re: BAT for the long term? posted by MJL on April 5, 2007 at 16:38:50:
hmmmm. What's something with a more traditional tube sound?
Follow Ups:
I will say Conrad Johnson preamp having the most traditional tube sound, especially the older one. It's all personal tast, there is no defination which is the best, some like it warm, some like it more extended on both end. The ARC older tube preamp such as SP8 MKII, SP10 and LS5 MKII are good, not overly warm as CJ, it is extended on both end with great resolution and clearity.
The build quality of BAT is great, but generate too much heat, try put your hand on top of their preamp after you turn on for 30 minutes, you will see how much heat it generate. You better prepare to re-tube more often.
My VK-50SE has been humming along with not the slightest problem for 5 years. I have a set of premium NOS 6H30s in reserve for when I need to retube, but to say you need to do this often on the preamp is wrong, in my experience. Build is first class, ergonomics are sensible and simple - the remote is excellent.This machine has given me a lot of pleasure and I am proud to own it.
Regards,
Geoff
The 6H30 tubes are a much more durable tube than the 6922's, although many prefer rolling their favorite NOS tubes in their 6922 based preamps.I'm personally very happy with the sound of my 6H30 based VK-31SE. I tried the NOS 6H30-DR Russian tubes, but found the differences to be very subtle at best, and not worth the cost.
Ken
Yes, those are the spare ones I have. I bought them at a reasonable price, so it wasn't a big expense. As long as they sound as good as the ones BAT supply, I'll be OK with them. I would not pay what they now seem to go for.
Regards,
Geoff
BAT Vk3i has tube power supply and was most "musical" preamplifier before VK32, VK52 abd REX - all much more expensive pieces of equipment. Its sound is not close to SS nor its far from it. Its truthful and highly involving.
I have no priviledge to audiotion VK55 so here you may or may not rely on the opinions of the professional reviewers.
Next, BAT - one of the few hi-end companies having fully (or maximally allowed) upgrade policy. If you buy one piece you can have it, with upgrades, till rest of your life.Next, of course we all mortals but its much, much, much easier to fix tube gear then SS and having zillions BATs on the earth somebody will claim special expertise to fix or upgrade.
BAT is build like a tank.
Only one negative - expensive. However, frequently you get what you pay for.
Also you can always match BAT preamp with good SS amplifier (e.g. Classe, Plinius) or class D amplifier(Spectron or forgot name but its expensive $6,200 for 150 wpc - see TAS review of November 2006)
Good Luck,
Simon
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