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Preamp for monoblock BAT amps

I have a pair of monoblock BAT VK-55 SE's driving Vandersteen Fives. Front end concentrates almost exclusively on analog reproduction (self-built Lenco-based table with Kuzma Stogi Reference arm/ZYX Airy 3 cartridge/Custom built tube phono stage).

I am currently in the market for a preamplifier to marry with the rest. If it were you, which pieces on the used market would you first audition? I am open to tubes, SS, or passive. I currently have a Bent NOH which ALWAYS sounds excellent, but has somewhat limited headroom in this configuration.
4yanx
hansk46's avatar
hansk46
122 posts
 
I 'm using the Audio Research REF 3 with the BAT VK1000
monoblocks , it is a marriage in heaven , as the BAT's do have a perfect input impedance which the AR likes to see.( 100kOhm)
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Something from BAT would be a logical choice. Ayre K1, Aesthetix, and maybe the ARC that Hansk46 mentions, but if you can't audition it first, I would pass on it.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 
How long are your interconnect cables? Do you want to drive the BAT balanced (which is what its designed for)?
joman
167 posts
 
I had a pair of BAT VK 55 mono's and used several BAT pre's and was never really happy until I used Ralph's MP 3 with the updated regulator and Teflon caps. Then everything opened up. Bass was more palpable midrange was clear and cymbals sparkled. I would strongly suggest that combination. My turntable is a SP 10 with the "krebs" mod with A3 Soundlabs and the Atma-sphere fleshed out all those mono's were capable of.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I have listned to a lot of pre amps ....Modwright, McIntosh, Primaluna, BAT VK30se, Manley labs. I would recommend any of them over a BAT with 6H30's. The sound was very dry and uninvolving and I couldn't stand listening to it. Try out at least 3-4 different ones it is a key piece to get correct! Good luck.
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