ARC LS 25 MK II vs. BAT VK30SE

I used several ARC preamps over the years and have always thought very highly of them. The LS2b, SP14 were superior to many others at similar price points. I switched to Modulus 3a and also found it to be very good, however, my last change, about 18 months ago was to the CARY SLP-98 with Tungsols and KenRad VT231 tubes. WOW, what a differenc a great preamp with superior tubes can make. I auditioned the BAT 60 and 30SE preamp last weekend at a dealer with my wife, and we were very impressed with the soundstage depth, presence and liquid presentation on female vocals. Our next move will probally be to the BAT amps, but my CARY stays! Highly recommend you put it in the 3K price point search for musical satisfaction. Hope the helps.

I have replaced, recently, the stock 6922s in my LS25 with the 6H23s from Upscale. The improvement in the performance of the preamp is unbeleivable. Improvements include: dynamics, bass authority and focus, increased robustness and sweetness in the midrange, more extended highs and greater overall coherence and musicality. I have heard all the above preamps including the LS25 MKII, and I would not trade my LS25 with the new tubes for any of them.

I have a Ref One and am using the 6H23s from Upscale with very good results. The were $25 per tube. The results are just as described earlier in this thread.

I SUGGEST THAT YOU CHECK OUT THE NEW SOVTEK 6922 PI. IT IS VASTLY SUPERIOR TO THE 6H23 TUBE. THIS 6H23 TUBE THAT HAS BEEN MENTIONED REPEATABLY, HAS BEEN AROUND ALONG TIME. IT WAS ORIGINALLY IMPORTED BY SVETLANA. IT IS A GOOD TUBE,BUT
THE NEW 6922 PI IS MUCH BETTER. IT IS BLACK PLATED AND BORROWS ALLOT FROM THE 6H30 TUBE.