BAT VK-32 tube preamp or stay with BAT VK-3ix

hello Tom, actually

i am divided between the vk-32 or vk32se or vk52se as a pre amp now... am deciding to get a new preamp and then a used power amp....budget constraint

any advice...

Art

Hello Art,

I haven't heard any of the ones you are thinking of. However I do have some advise.

First, my experience with any of the BAT "SE" vs.non -"SE", amp or preamp, is that I find the "SE" variants to be more tonally accurate, resolved and articulate of detail, better extended, and more linear in dynamics.

If the sonic difference between the 51se vs.31se is any indication of the differences between the 52se and the 32se, then .... if it were me, it would be worth it to go for the 52se.

Another reason my pick would be the 52se is that down the road you could have it upgraded to the (IMHO remarkable!) REX without having to sell. Also, the fact that the 52se can be upgraded to a REX I think would be a desirable selling point if you ever need to sell the 52se.

Art one of the online magazines gave the 52se a stellar review. If I find it I will send you an email with the link of the review ... ok

Best,
Tom

Art, here is the link for the 52se review.
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue37/bat_preamplifier.htm

Mama-mia this VK-55SE is nice. Still not completely broken in, but as I said elsewhere, I was fearful of trying a tube amp and now I wish I'd done it earlier.. As a newbie I like the fact that there's no biasing to do.

I'd never really heard holographic like sound 'til now and there is more 'air' and a greater sense of 'space' between instruments. The mids are more natural sounding and I don't notice any lack of slam compared to the VK-220 or an Ayre amp I had.

After another 100 hours I'm going to replace the (2) stock 6922 tubes- haven't yet removed the cover but imagine they're Sovteks. Also, as the amp only has (2) 6H30's I'm thinking of trying a couple of 6h30-DR tubes.

Art, thanks for your thoughts on the 3i-x and 32se. I still would be very interested in hearing the 32 series, but in no hurry. Another pleasant surprise is how quiet the BAT tube combo is. I'm really liking this.

Your impression of the VK-55 is no surprise at all. After 17 years with my previous tube amp (Beard), I was awestruck when I tried the VK-55. This was the first and only amp I auditioned I was so impressed. At some point I may consider a VK-3iX to complement the VK-55 as I expect the synergy is outstanding.

If you would like to take your pursuit of the holy grail another step consider an analog front end. The dynamics, transparency and presence (realistic reproduction of a live event) will astound you. It is a major commitment and a MAJOR pain in the neck compared to digital however, you will immediately understand why this Kool-Aid is without peer. In fact, I don't own a CDP!

Good luck, Mike