2. amps-preamps
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Solid state warm up?

I recently Put in a BAT vk-250SE with bat pack into my system to power Dynaudio Contour S 3.4 speakers. I was using a B&K reference amp with pretty good results, but I wanted more detail and subtlety. I got both, but I also got a darker, almost mushy sound. Some material is worse than others. I have pulled the speakers a few more inches from the back wall which helped a bit. The sound may actually get better the longer the amP is on...hours. Could the amp just need to warm-up and maybe be left on 24/7? It does get quite warm. I use the 12v trigger to put it in standby. Any ideas?
phoenix469
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Don't know which B&K reference, but it seems that your speakers need more power beyond vk-250SE capabilities.
phoenix469 OP
44 posts
 
It was a REF 2220 which does about 385 at 4 ohms. This BAT can do 300 at 4 ohms. I didn't think that would be a significant power drop.
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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
My BAT VK-200 sounded its best after a 24 hr warmup. I would think your amp has enough power.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
It's not the best model of VK and more than certainly it can't do 300/4Ohms(sorry only on 'holidays':-)). It does better job with lighter speakers than you have. So I suspect mismatch of components.
An upgrade to your B&K might be Wyred4Sound SX1000 monos
I was lucky to get Crown 3600 powerhouse(1200W/4Ohms) for low hundreds from thrift store and this piece pleasantly surprised me with stunning and solid performance/Aerial 10t! Fan is literally unaudible, undisputed crispy detail on any volume level. If you find it for cheap I'd recommend you to play with it...
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