VTL MB450 monos Vs. BAT VK 60se monos?

The BAT SE Amps are more even handed and extended on the top and bottom. You'll get those 3d soundstages and beautful timbres.

With your speakers, that BAT vk60se mono's will have plenty of power.

I do recommend having a few spare 6c33b output tubes. and fuses. The amp autobias', so a tube and fuse is plug and play. About as hard as changing a light bulb. (JUST MAKE SURE AMP IS POWERED OFF AND tubes are relatively cool)

My experience of about 8 yrs on using BAT tube amps is the 6c33b output tubes are prone to failure, but one you have a set working, they seem to work. When you put in a new set of tubes, one may fail in a few days/weeks. It's the nature of these tubes, not the amp. The tubes are about $40 each.

I have owned a VK60, VK75SE, now 150SE mono's...

If you like your preamp, this amp and pre combo is killer.

You won't be getting a dark sound with the VK Se version amps, they are anything but that. Depending on your Accuphase you may just be making a sideways move, especially if you are giving up power to go to the VK60se.

I have the 1027's. Under show conditions I have heard the 1027's with Pathos amps. The combo was fantastic. The top of the line models but I am pretty sure that the "lower" models would also sound great. If I were going for tubes, they would be on my very short list.
I have heard the 927be's(my old speakers) with BAT gear. That sounded very nice as well. It may be characterized as a "fat" sound. I was looking for a sub in the room. But for me personally, I would need to really consider the Pathos. It was that good.

Hello Len,

"Does a ton of power make difference with speakers that don't really require it? ..."

read very interesting writing exactly on the topic in EnjoyTheMusic.com:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/manufacture/0708/index.html

All The Best
Rafael

Personally I would stay away from tube power amps. For reasons mentioned earlier. The pre amp you have is really good, can only dream of that kind of gear. If I were you I would buy some (maybe class A) SS mono amps. Place those amps close to your speakers and run long balanced interconnects and short speaker cables. Also I believe power amp will have less of an impact on the way your system sounds the the pre amp.