Bat VK-31SE vs. 51SE. Sonic differences?

I have had a chance to compare the two side by side in my system. I have owned a V-31SE for about a year and had the VK-51SE for 2 days courtesy of my friend. The VK-51SE sounded like it had a slightly more deeper, articulate bass over what is already very impressive in the VK-31SE. In terms of transparency and "air", yes a tiny amount as well. Truth be told, it was not a night or day difference, they are very close to my ears. If your system has the ability to resolve the slightest differences, maybe the difference in price would be worth it, otherwise spend the difference elsewhere in the system.

Hi, I had a 31se in my system while my 50se was getting upgraded to a 51se. The 31SE hand down beat the 50se. The 51SE is similar to what flyski says above, however, I'll take it a few steps farther... I think it is deeper and more extended in the bass, by a little larger margin. More detail across the whole spectrum. Lower noise floor, better staging-wider and deeper. More natural flow to the music. The top end really shines. Goes on what seems like forever. More weight-wetness in the mids and the top end. Better detail, but more natural. Finally, dynamics are better. More pop to things. In the top end for instance, when a stick hits a cymbal...you more disincly hear the impact...then the decay...

All around better. I think it's well worth the extra $$'s. But I do agree it's system dependent. If you have the system now or plan to then you really should go for it.

My Wilson Watt Puppy's are very revealing and I definitely hear the improvement. Especially on hi rez sources like vinyl and SACD.

If you primarily listen to standard cd...maybe these differences are not as pronounced.

With all this, I still think balance is important (unless you're planning for the future). The 51SE can't be any better than what's input into it and the amp has to handle what the 51SE is sending it...ditto the speakers...

Sorry, but your checkbook is the only one that might say something. Go for the 51SE.

Right now I am using a
VPI Scoutmaster w/ dynavector 17D2MKII cartridge and modified P75 phono stage.
A Sony SCD-1 for SACD, and also as a transport into a special edition Audio Aero Prima DAC for redbook.
The amps are Parasound JC-1 monoblocks and the speakers are Legacy Signature IIIs.
Cables are either Siltech or Bogdan Audio
BAT VK-31SE
I am in the process of upgrading my digital source now and hopefully my speakers by the end of the year.
I have been through the preamp on my Audio Aero, VK-31, AR LS-25MKII, Aesthetix Calypso, and now the VK-31SE.
I love the BAT from the upper midrange down. If the VK-51SE can add some sparkle to the treble and match or better everything else then its what I am looking. I thought the Calypso was very good but it couldnt match the BAT in terms of bass and midrange. I liked it more from the midrange up. In the end, after several tubes, the noise started to bug me. Any other suggestions would be great.
Happy Easter!

Hello Tom,

The 51se is more extended then the 31se on the top end with more resolution of finer detail but at the same time it's not as bright. The mids are richer and more vibrant in texture, the bass goes lower with better definition. Soundspace is more vast with more air on the right recordings. More dynamic!

IMO the most stricking quality the 51se has over the 31se is a sense of ease from top to bottom. It just does everything in a more relaxed manner but at the same time it's sounds more compelling with even greater resolution.

I think a good anology would be .... A car with a 6 cylinder engine can get you up the hill but an 8 cylinder car will do it better and make it seem easy.

Good luck!
Tom

Well...great system! I don't like to give direct advice, but the 51SE will stay in you system as a corner stone for years to come. Given what you are saying, it's the choice. I've heard the Calypso to...similar findings-it's a steal for the $$'s, but I just like the ease and weight the BAT's give.

I've had my 50SE and now 51SE for 6+ years now. Everything else has changed..amps, turntables, digital, phono stages, cables, speakers...except for it.

I don't see this changing in my system. I'll keep improving the source stuff first...then maybe speakers...not the 51SE.