2. amps-preamps
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Pream question

A few days ago I got Audio Research LS-5 MKII for testing. The sound seems good for me so I decided to buy it. But right now there are two more preamps in the same price range at our local market: Audio Research LS-25 MKII and Balanced Audio Technology VK-51SE. All have quite positive feedbacks... What will be the best choice among these three?

My current system is: B&W Matrix 803 S2, Luxman Da-06 DAC and Luxman M600-A amp.
alex_bolotnikov
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Sorry, but you did say the preamps were in your local market. I thought that meant you had access to them. If I had to buy blind, the BAT is probably the safest choice. I had the LS25 and its not the best match for your tweeter. The BAT has a nicer top end and the build quality is much better. But you're still taking a chance. You should try to listen to it first, if you can.
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,802 posts
 
My guess is they've been making the VK-51SE almost 20 years.
The internet (or BAT) can tell you for sure...
alex_bolotnikov OP
32 posts
 
So I'll try VK-51SE. Looks like it's one of the best choise for such money)
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I think you'll be very happy with it. It sounds great and the build quality is outstanding.
alex_bolotnikov OP
32 posts
 
I was able to listen to VK-51SE and I wasn't impressed at all... The sound was absolutely dead and flat. Could it be because of the dying tubes? I'll try to persuade the seller to give it to me for a few days for the tests with my system. But right now LS-5 MKII sound really much better...
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