2. amps-preamps
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BAT VK500 upgrade struggles

Hi,

Before I begin let me describe my current system setup

BAT VK500 with BAT/PAK
CJ PV10A (With new Mullard tubes)
Ah Njoe Tjoeb 4000 with Upsampler
Vienna Acoustics Bachs
Tara Labs RSC Prime 1000 Interconnects

A couple of weeks ago I got my new (used) BAT VK500. I was immediatley impressed with its detail,openess and control. Unfortunatley it was also bright and harsh. My local dealer loaned me a pair of Tara Labs RSC cables and that has helped quite a bit. The last issue I'm struggling with is that my system sounds "hard". It sounds very clean and lean but there is none of the lushness that I had before.
My previous amp was a Sonographe SA 400. Any thoughts on what I can do to "soften" up the sound a bit? I'm really confused. Someone suggested that the BAT is just overwhelming my pre-amp and I need to upgrade? Any thoughts?

Thanks
cmach
cmach
bemopti123
303 posts
 
CJ SS amps are known to be mellower or more tube sounding than some tube amps. Most likely, you will not be able to get the same sound back, unless you ditch the BAT. Sorry, but there is not a more softer or darker sounding gear than a CJ preamp and a CJ amp. Maybe some other audiogoners have a better solution. The amp is definetly what you are not liking.
aball
2,016 posts
 
This is a classic sitution where you are realizing what type of sound you actually like. Most people fall into 2 catergories: warm or cool. You are of the warm camp, along with CJ, McIntosh, and Rowland mainly, and most tube amps. You will have to return to the warm camp since you apparently don't like the cool one! I am the same as you.

I suggest you get somthing from what I mentioned above. For the price of the VK-500, you can get a McIntosh MC352. It will have exactly what you are looking for. Trust me, I have been down this road already. Take care and have fun experimenting! Arthur
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I agree with Bemopti123. The bright problem started with the BAT amp, you could try band-aids like MIT cables and/or Shunyata power cords. However, I would recommend switching to a amp more suited to your tastes. Your speakers and preamp say that you prefer a warmer than neutral sound. You may want to try a Classe amp if solid state, or maybe even a tube amp.

Good luck,
John
aball
2,016 posts
 
I agree, Classe is another possibility. I have noticed in my amp swapping that higher power amps of one brand lose some "lushness" compared to lower powered ones of the same brand. That is somewhat the idea behind SET amp magic too but it's very true for SS if both amps use the same basic circuits. Good luck!
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
I've never heard anyone EVER describe the BAT VK500 as bright and harsh. Never. However, you do seem to like things warm...One, are you sure the VK500 is broken in? How long did the previous owner have it? 2) leave it on for a few days, fully powered up, and see if it changes...it should. 3) Do you have it properly powered from the wall? It needs lot's a current, and if it's on ac circuit that ton's of other stuff is on, it may effect it some. All this will make some change, but not "night and day"

Also, better electronics can expose something, you may be hearing your source finally. I know your cd player is a great value for the money, but your amp, pre and speakers are ahead of it...sonically. It all starts at the source.
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