2. amps-preamps
  3. 1137968155

BAT VK 75SE vs 150SE's or maybe a VK600SE?

I have a BAT 75SE currently and I'm thinking about getting a second and running mono's. Who has gone from single BAT to multi BATs? What's the sound improvment?

I could also go to a single VK 600SE. I prefer to stay with BAT equipment as I also own a VKP10SE superpak and a VK51SE.

Appreciate all comments.

Thanks!

My system is listed in the link below.
jfrech
jeff_jones
418 posts
 
Jmcgrogan2 - Be cautious of BAT reviews in TAS, when TAS reviewed the VK300XSE, some of the 'reviewers impressions' were an exact duplicate of what was written on the BAT website. E.G., effect of pre-amp section type on sound. I suppose it could be coincidence.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Jeff, thanks for the warning. I'm not that familiar with TAS. I've owned my VK-600SE for 8 months now, and as stated, the review in TAS just came out, so it had no bearing on my choice.

I did chat at AA with someone else who claims he visited the BAT factory and heard the VK-600SE and the VK-150SE and claimed he could not tell them apart. He also said that BAT claimed they were voiced alike. I guess that's why I leaned towards the VK-600SE. I already have 22 tubes in my system, why add the cost of more tubes if it sounds the same?

John
jafox
1,475 posts
 
If these amplifiers truly sound EXACTLY the same, what is the benefit of the 150SE's? They cost more, there's the issue of tube replacement/maintenance, they have far less dynamic headroom, etc. I have to believe there are some differences in ambience, decays and portrayal of space here.
semi
649 posts
 
Owner of BAT 75SE. Even though never heard the solid state BAT gears, but I am willing to bet my whole system I can tell them apart, 10 out of 10 times, between 150SE and 600SE.

Jafox's statement is dead on, what's the point of making 150SE if 600SE does the job for less?
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Well, the 150SE doesn't really do the job for less, in fact it's quite the opposite. The 150SE's are the mono version of the VK-75SE's. The VK-600M SE are the mono version of the VK-600SE. The VK-150 SE sell for $15K, the VK-600M SE sell for $23K. So I think BAT is actually comparing the sound of the VK-75SE ($8500) to the VK-600SE ( $11,500). The stereo version just falls more in line with the power output of the 150SE's.

Does this make sense?

John
More to discover