2. amps-preamps
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bat vk-51se vs. audio research ref2mkii

thinking about buying a bat vk51se or an audio research ref2mkii. looking for help in deciding between the two.

amyone with experience with these 2 great preamps would be greatly appreciated.

my system consists of:
wadia 861se
vpi hrx
manley steelhead ver.2
pass labs x1 preamp
pass labs x350 amp
wilson watt/puppy ver.7
all cabling(interconnects and speaker) nordost valhalla
all inerconnects balanced or using adapters

thanks, and i would appreciate any and all opinions in regards to the bat and a.r., when compared up against my system and knowing that the new prepamp will replace my x1.

dr. keith zeliger(klzdo)
klzdo
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sigmund
25 posts
 
I would also like to reinforce the previous opinions. However great the X350 is, the X350.5 is a quantum leap forward in nuance, detail and musicality. That change will give you a sure improvement in sound. The preamp change will be sidewaby at best. The WP7's will really let yoiu appreciate the ap change.

Richard
klzdo OP
10 posts
 
thanks for the opinions, but i am not going to upgrade the 350 to a 350.5. i am very happy with the 350 and wp7's.

however i am going to change the preamp to a tube hybrid and am looking for opinions on the vk51se vs the ref2mkii.

klzdo
metralla
945 posts
 
I would not call the BAT VK-51SE a "tube hybrid". I own the 50SE.

One thing I will say about the BAT, it has a really superb user interface on both the unit and the remote that is very well thought out and hard to fault. Whether you prefer another preamp on sound quality is up to your tastes - but one can't complain about the ergonomics and the fit and finish on the BAT.

Regards,
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
still going backwards.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
still going backwards.

You forgot the all important IMHO Jaybo.

IMHO, either would be a step forward, yes, I've heard the X-1, very nice.....for a solid state preamp.

I ultimately prefferred the VK-51SE over the AR Ref 2, better dynamics and larger soundstage, both were very good performers though. As always, YMMV.

Cheers,
John
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