BAT VK52SE or REX vs VK51SE

Did you see the Postive Feedback review on the VK-52SE? Conmpares it directly to the 51SE...

05-23-08: Jfrech
Did you see the Postive Feedback review on the VK-52SE?

No, and I can't find it on the web. Do you have a link?

I did get a chance to demo the VK-32SE in my home system. I would say it was different from the 31/51SE series that I have owned, but not better, IMHO. It was lusher and sweeter, but not as dynamic or powerful. Which one would prefer would depend on their system/tastes.
I also had the opportunity to hear a VK-52SE at a dealer, and felt the same way. Just my $0.02.
FWIW, I still haven't heard the REX yet though.

Cheers,
John

Hi John, here's the link:

http://positive-feedback.com/Issue37/bat_preamplifier.htm

I heard the rex at my dealer for about 2 hours 3-4 months ago. Stunning is all I can say. Today I listened to the Aesthetix Callisto Eclipise, Nagra PL L and a killer Luxman ss amp.

For the money, the Nagra is a steal IMO. Transparency, see through sound stage, accuracy, but oh my gosh real, no hype type of thing. It's just so little. Not something a man aspires to :) My wife is little, I love that about her. Not sure I want that in my hi fi-plus my cables weigh more than the electronics...

Callisto threw a stage about twice as high and wide as the Nagra, it wasn't warmed up and the source was a Nagra CD player (so expect some synergy).

I still remember that REX...doesn't quite have the transparency of the Nagra, not quite as big of stage as the Aesthetix.

I need to listen to all this more. This is all based on a 2 hour listening session on a system I have heard before. Cables could settle in, preamps warm up, etc and flip things around somewhat...

Honestly, they are all good. I think your comment on tastes/system is 110% on the mark...

I might be better off working on my source not my electronics...

Thanks for the link John. It looks like the Good Doctor was very impressed with the VK-52SE.
It is a great preamp, and as you say, there are a lot of great preamps out there.

Cheers,
John