ARC LS2 versus B.A.T. VK-3i

I've compared the ARC LS15 and SP8 to the BAT VK31. I thought the BAT was generally fuller-bodied and a bit darker, though not lacking in air. I put some Bugle Boy tubes in the BAT and it's pretty hard to beat, now. ARC is good gear, but I think it's a little analytical for my taste. Obviously, these are not direct comparisons, but may give you some ideas.

Thanks.

I think I will give the BAT a try. I am trying to loose the hard ss's in my set and gain some air.

Your Thiels are not known for smoothness IMO. I have heard and had them in my home so they like polite electronics unless you like lots of detail? I think your choice of BAT is a good one. I have a VK5i and VK200 and like both alot. Also had a ARC LS7 on borrow awhile back and didn't care for it. It had good qualities but sounded to me like there was a blanket over the speakers.

You're on the right track with the BAT VK-5i or 3i. They're open & transparent on top(though a bit rolled off), and warmer & bloomier in the middle than BAT's later preamps-- a good offset to the dry sound of Thiel & SS amp. If later on you feel you need more bass control, midrange neutrality, HF extension, then you can get it by replacing the BAT PIO coupling caps with better film caps.

I have Thiel 2.4s and just auditioned a VTL TL-2.5 tube preamp thru a Meridian G06 and Levinson 27.5 amp. It was absolutely amazing, utterly holographic and well, what can I say, very life-like sound, and haven't even optimized spkr wire choice yet. I have never heard such stage depth, width, and clarity in my system, and, as Dgarretson says above, the warmth of the tubes helps tame the overly-forward treble end of the Thiels. I've heard that the BAT vk3i is similar to the VTL and will be auditioning the BAT VK-3i in my system in a few weeks.