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How good is the BAT VK40?

Hi guys,

I have the chance to buy a second user BAT VK40 for a good price. Any opinions about this preamp? How does it sound? I am currently using a transformer based passive preamp. The rest of my system is a TEAC VDRS10SE CD into TACT RCS2.0 room correction to an Audiosynthesis DAX Decade DAC. The power amps are Nuforce Ref9 and the speakers are Vienna Acoustics Mahler. The system sound fantastic but maybe too clinical therefore the thought of changing the preamp to the BAT one. Any thoughts and/or other recommendations greatly appreciated.

Greg
greg_f
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
I've heard mixed opinion. Some said vk40 is superior to vk30 or even vk31, and vice versa. I see one sold in ebay at $1700 and one advertised in agon at $2000. I guess the price is not that bad.
I am planning to get vk-30 with phono soon to match with vk-200. I chose vk-30 over vk-40 because I'd like to have tube sound in my system, and also due to the price.
I am not sure how well Nuforce Ref9 would work with vk-40.
ck
101 posts
 
I am running a BAT VK 31SE with my Nuforce Ref9 V3 and it is a great combination. Have you considered upgrading the Ref 9 to V3? Magical upgrade in my opinion.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,220 posts
 
Get a tube BAT pre ;)
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
Yes, I am going to get a vk-30 pretty soon. ;-)
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
I've owned the 31se and when I upgraded I auditioned the 52se and 42se at the same time. The 52se was a little more dynamic and detailed than the 42se. The 42se is slightly laid back. I ended up going with the 42se. I think it fit my system at the time better (krell/Thiel) The 42se is quite a bit of a jump over the 31se. Not sure but would think the 40 would be the same over the 30. Although this is without comparing them. Dont count out the SS BAT preamps. They are up there with the better SS preamps I have heard and on par with the BAT tube pres.
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