BAT VK-52SE VS Audio Research Ref 3

I second Jmcgrogan2 opinion. I went from 51SE to Ref-3, and couldn't be happier. I found 51SE to be dark and unresolving, with poor micodynamics.

If your system is very revealing and transparent, you might hear the famous "whitish" top end often mentioned with Ref-3/5 so do proceed with caution if you decided to go for Ref 3. I certainly have heard it in my system and others and I am not alone.

I'm sure it's all system dependant. I did find a BAT preamp and BAT amp to be dark and unresolving in my system, like Elberoth2. Same as all Jade cables to some extent. I never heard the ARC Ref 3 with a ARC amp, that may have had the hot, whitish top end that Semi refers to. Mixing the ARC preamp and BAT amp gave me a nice balance, IMHO. Some of the power and dynamics of the BAT mixed with some of the speed and resolution of the ARC. It's OK to mix n' match. You don't have to have all of one brand.

Hello Arthurp,

Well I agree with Jmcgrogan2 and Elberoth2 that the REF3 will have a brighter high end, only thing is that in my view I find it to be unnaturally spotlit. I haven't had a chance to hear the 52se yet so I can't give you a direct specific comparison of these 2 preamps. I do own the BAT Rex and can tell you I find it to pretty unique, it has the most grain free natural rendering of timbre I've heard.

I'm giving you my opinion of the Rex because the 52se can be upgraded to the Rex. You really should try to at least audition these 2 preamps in systems at dealers, of course comparing them in your own system would be ideal.
Good luck with whatever you decide on.

best,
Tom

I would encourage anyone interested in the ARC Ref 3 to audition it first. This is one of those pieces where people either love it, or they don't.