bat vk-51se vs. audio research ref2mkii

I find that it is almost impossible to predict how two pieces of gear will interact and sound together. You must ultimately make a choice based on actual trial -- anything else is a crapshoot. Recently, I heard a trial of a 5 watt pushpull 45 amp and a very good tube linestage driving a pair of Sonus Faber Anniversarios in a small room. The system sounded bad -- flabby bass, lacking in dynamics. I thought that it was obviously the way too low-powered amp. It turned out to be the linestage working with the particular amp, i.e., just the opposite of my expectations.

I would not change out the Pass Labs linestage for anything else unless I actually heard the combination. Generally, maintaining the same brand of equipment work well together; mixing may work, but that must be carefully evaluated.

That said, I do have some very general impressions about candidate linestages. Other than with the Ref. 3, I have not heard any system that had an AR linestage of recent vintage that I liked. In several systems where the Ref. No.2 was being tried out in, the system sounded a bit too lean and harmonically bleached for my personal taste. The BAT is perhaps a touch lean too, but not anything like the AR gear and it has a terrific remote control and a lot of flexibility. I would also suggest that you look into the VTL 7.5. I heard several nice systems that were controlled by this linestage. It to has a very good remote control.

I have an X350.5 which replaced an X-350. I have a Ref2 MK1 and a Pass X.02 which I switch between. Both are fine preamps and both have their strong suits. The Ref2 is NOT noisy at all. it is dead quiet. The Pass is wonderful in providing every nuance of detail and has a deep and well defined bass. It is very tube like in many of its characteristics from a standpoint of sweetness, but the decay that the Ref2 demonstrates on violins and other string instruments makes it more musical if not more accurate for violin concertos or choral pieces. For rock and roll the Pass is my choice. Your decesion really rests on what your listening tastes are and not what an oscope would reveal.
Good luck,
Jeff

jwin and larryi,
thanks for the help. i will keep my x1 for now, but will wait to audition the batvk51se .

the ref2mkii could be heard making a hum from 5-6 ft. away and i found it annoying.

the pass x0.2 i have also heard, but it is ever so slightly better than the x1, i would not upgrade the x1 to it.

thanks again,
keith

You are correct. The differences betqween the X-! and the X-02 are subtle. The difference between the X-350 and X-350.5 are substantial. I would try to find a way to get to audition one. I used to have Bat VK-60 monos along with the X-350 and I traded that BAT monos and don't miss them.
Jeff

Hello Keith.

I'm just curious what did you end up with? It's been a long time since this post.

BTW, I'm currently running a combination of BAT VK-51SE with X250.5 and find it outstanding.