2. amps-preamps
  3. 1068071395

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
twilo
357 posts
 
You should hear the Conrad Johnson 2500A amp. It sounds unbelievable. Its sounds like a tube amp but with nice detail. I'm using the 2500A and Krell KBL preamp on the JM Lab 920.1 speakers. What a combo.
gogamecocks
37 posts
 
What about using a different set of tubes in the CD unit to alter the sound?
cmach OP
197 posts
 
First off let me thank everyone for there help and
suggestions. I really appreciate the advice. The same
day I posted my question I came home and turned on my
system for my usual evening listening. WOW! Something
must have broke in since it sounds a lot less bright
and hard. The amp sounds almost mellow now. The difference
is not subtle at all. It is now a completly different amp.
People are not kidding when they talk about this "break-in"
stuff.

I do have one last question. How does the BAT VK500 stack
up to a CJ MF2500A or a McCormack DNA 225? The reason I
ask is that these were my two original contenders. The
BAT just happened to be there when I was shopping for a
amp and my dealer made me a great deal on it. In hindsight
I should have taken more time to really think this over.
Not that that I am unhappy with it but I do have a few concerns about the size and heat. It pumps out a lot of heat. I just keep wondering whether or not I made the best choice.

Cheers
cmach
bemopti123
303 posts
 
The VK500 is a veritable MONSTER, in comparison to the two amps you have stated. I have the DNA 225, it is heavy, but nowhere near the BAT. It is a very different design and approach. If I am not wrong, the BAT runs near or at CLASS A, while the DNA does not, it does not even get mildly hot, in all the times I have use it. I can say that the CJ is mellower than the 225, not to say that the DNA is known to have a mellow sound. Now that your amp is sitting more fittingly with your system, if I were you, I would not consider doing anything, just enjoying the set up. Think about packing your leviathon to be delivered elsewhere.

PAUL
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