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How to determine Preamp "Power"? VTL 5.5 vs BAT SE

I would like to get a tube pre and amp that has a low end on the heftier side. I think I understand that a tube amp with KT88s will have a heftier bottom end than that of an EL34 system (right?). So I have begun looking at a tube pre that will support the bottom end of a KT88 amp.
VTL has a reputation for a strong bottom end. The VTL 5.5 LS pre uses these tubes: 2 x 12AX7, 4 x 12AT7. The BAT 3iX SE (for example) uses 2 6H30 and 2 6V6 tubes. I have read that the 6H30 tubes will give more power at the frequency extremes, eg bottom end than EL34 and even KT88 (yes? no?). If so, how would the pre "power" of the VTL 5.5 compare to the BAT SE in terms of bottom end heft? Or, am i looking at this all wrong? (tube newbie). Thanks!
128x1281graber2
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Musical_sounds, with all due respect, these forums are NOT for shilling. If you want advertising space, please pay for it like other dealers.

1graber2, I have owned several BAT preamps (VK-31SE/ VK-50SE/ VK-51SE) and have auditioned a couple others in my home (VK-3iXSE, VK-32SE). I also have owned many other preamps including a VTL, though to be fair, it was not a late model VTL product (TL-5).
The bottom line is I have never heard any preamp with more power in the bass than BAT preamps, and that includes SS preamps from Krell, Levinson, Threshold, etc.
I don't believe that the tubes being used have as much to do with the bass as the huge power supply BAT tends to use. The six-pack caps, the Super-Paks, etc. BAT preamps have beefier power supplies than many amplifiers out there.

That being said, the best preamp I have ever owned was a ARC Ref 3. Though it's bass was not as powerful as the BAT's bass is not my top priority, and the ARC was clearly better in several other areas.

Cheers,
John
paladin's avatar
paladin
227 posts
 
To my understanding as explained to me by a tech from Conrad Johnson: EL34's are best for monitors.
Are your speakers monitors or floorstanders?
IMHO: I would go with the BAT SE for the power amp & the dual chassis VAC Ren. Sig. Mk. II pre amp (the best pre I've ever owned).
Best regards
Richard
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
The innards of the power amp such as capacitors etc, is what is going to determine the bass output capabilities, not the tube type. There are plenty of KT88 amps with minimal low frequency slam.
1graber2's avatar
1graber2 OP
303 posts
 
THanks for all the input. Yes, I was afraid I was oversimplifying this comparison of pre output power based on tube types only. I actually have the BAT 300X SE hybrid integrated amp (150Watts) running a pair of Dali Helicon 400s. Im pretty happy with it for much of my music, but certainly not all, as I listen to a broad variety: the bottom end just gets a soft at times. I like BATs version of "musicality" and the fluidity it offers. I'm not searching for the "perfect" system, but want to try to move toward a tube pre/ SS amp to listen to most of my music. I plan to go to separates at some point, so am considering the VTL and BAT. I plan to try a Simaudio Moon W-3 (125 Watts +) or W-5 (190 Watts+) as my SS amp. The thing is that my listening room/bed room is only 12X15. The Dali's are almost too big already, so am shooting for a powerful amp to tighten the bass and achieve good sound at lower volumes.
Any feedback would be helpful.
Gary
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
Instead of changing equipment, consider adding a powered subwoofer to your setup?
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