Opinions: Used BAT VK-51SE or New VK-23SE

All I can say is that running a BAT preamp with Emotiva power amp will result in a very dry, without good top end extension and hard to listen to at higher volumes.It would be good to get a warmer sounding pre to go with the Emotiva amp. In my opinion. McIntosh is the first name that pops into my head but their are others (Audio Research, Modwright,)that would give you a warmer more natural sound and much more musical overall. I have owned the BAT 31se with 6H30's and was highly unimpressed, "super tubes" Good thing BAT is the only one who has these tubes "super dry" if you ask me.



Matt M

I've been using a VK-300SE integrated around 13-14 years and I love it. Not dry at all. Just sounds like music. I did spring for the NOS "DR" 6H30 tubes which make a difference.
As for OP, I'd be looking at a used (good luck) VK-33SE.
Uncle Kevin is ga-ga over it. Watch youtube video and find out why.

@mattmiller , ahhh, now I see why you were calling Nordost and Morrow cables "neutral" on that other thread.
I do believe that they would sound very good with warmer components like McIntosh and Dynaudio. The upper midrange/ lower treble emphasis on those silver clad copper cables would offset the warmish balance of your amp/speakers and probably "balance out" very nicely.

Anyway, to this thread, I have owned 9 pieces of BAT gear over the years (none in the past 10 years though), but "dry" is not a term that I would associate with the BAT gear that I have owned.
Sure, there are warmer/sweeter sounding preamps, there are also preamps that offer higher resolution (dryer sounding?).
Personally, I currently own Audio Research preamp, and I do enjoy it, but I would say that it is "dryer" sounding than the BAT VK-51SE that I owned years ago.
The higher resolution of the ARC mates well with the warmth of my Pass Labs amps though, it’s all about synergy.

Most folks like to balance resolution (dry) with warmth in their systems, though we go about it different ways. Some prefer drier cables with warmer components, some drier components with warmer cables, etc.
There are many ways to achieve a similar end result.

Bottom line: If presented with the choice between a VK-51SE and a VK-23SE, I would choose the VK-51SE, as I will take almost any tube preamp over almost any SS preamp.
I did own a tubed BAT amp (VK-75SE) and a SS BAT amp (VK-600SE w/ Super-Pak), and I preferred the sound of the VK-75SE.

@dweller I saw Kevin's video which is what turned me onto BAT.  I was looking into the Primaluna Dialogue Premium when I saw his video about the VK-33SE.  That one is out of my price range, unless I find a used one.  And I haven't seen one...

The Primaluna is right in the sweet spot for my budget.  The BAT's I'm looking at will be at the very top end and won't leave any room for cables.  If I could find a preamp in that 3k to 3500 range, I leave myself money for some good cables.  Once I get over $4k, that extra cash is not so available. 

Any particular McIntosh or Audio Research preamps you can suggest in my range?  Used is not a problem for me.  

Also read very good things about synergy between Accuphase and Focal.  But not sure I'll be able to find any Accuphase Preamps even used in my price range.