Can we use TUBE PREAMP with SS AMP ?

Goone,

I used a VK30 with a Classe DR8 amplifier and was very happy with the match. I decided another DR8 was in order and biamped, shortly after I had a party and being somewhat impaired I was too liberal with the gain on the preamp. Not sure if anyone knows this, but it costs $400 to replace the inductor, capacitors, and resistors in Martin Logan Quest Z crossovers. To be 16 and trapped in a 40 year old's body...

Anyway..about the sound. Please bear in mind my front end components are likely different than yours, my speakers are planars (Martin Logan Quest Z's), my listening room has it's own characteristics, and my taste in music may be quite different as well. Feel like a lawyer with all those disclaimers. The Classe amps have always provided plenty of current and do a great job driving marginal loads but can be a little bright/analytical when paired with the wrong preamp. I used a ARC SP9 then SP14 with the Classe and enjoyed the experience, but it was still not quite right. The PRAT was off-kilter. The BATVK30 was a God-send; smooth, liquid, toe-tapping musical. The Classe amp still provided the slam and speed I love, but the mids and highs were very nicely smoothed out by the VK30. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RUN SINGLE-ENDED INTERCONNECT BETWEEN A TUBE PREAMP AND A SOLID STATE AMPLIFIER! I run Goertz balance interconnect, the only way to go is balanced. The BAT-Classe synergy was obvious but really came into it's own when I added Transparent speaker cable between the amp and speakers. I would not hesitate to pick up a VK30, helluva deal and a great match with SS. Jeff

I am using a Krell FPB 200 with a AE-3 tube line level pre-amp. There is a section in the Krell User’s Manual which will explain the use of Tube Equipment with their amps. An internal jumper/switch needs to be changed in the amp before use with tube equipment. I called Krell told them what I wanted to do and they faxed me the instructions. The instructions are easy to follow and it only took 5 minutes. I have not had any problems and am very happy with the combination of tubes and SS equipment.

Jelloistarca, I'm puzzled by your warning to only use a balanced interconnect between a tube preamp and SS amp. Could you expand on this a bit? What would you do if the pre and amp don't support balanced?

Do you know where i can get a good deal on BAT VK30 new or used?

Grandpad, for reasons completely unexplicable I've found single ended interconnects from preamp to amp make excellent antennas. I had an annoying low level hum I just could not get rid of, switched to balanced cable, sweet silence! What a revelation. If you don't have balanced outputs on your preamp or balanced inputs on your amp you can always use Balanced-Single ended connectors sold by PAD or BAT.

Goone...VK30's do come up on the used market. I bought mine right here on the 'Gon. Jeff