2. amps-preamps
  3. 997995299

Lack of Bass from my BAT VK-5i Preamp...

I'm running BAT VK-5i tube preamp with Jeff Rowland Model 5 SS amp with really good result but kind of thin in lower frequencies. Here is my comparison in my system between using BAT Tube preamp and EAD Signature SS Preamp with my JR 5 amp to feed B&W 802S3.

With BAT VK-5i Tube: Music is more refined with no grain. Image and soundstage are really excellent. You can spot each of instruments in the band in exact location. More than that, Highs are so sweet and Mids are full and rich. By the way, it lacks the excitement from bass in lower frequencies. I'm in process of getting new Amperex/Tungsol tubes to replace Sovtek tubes. I hope this upgrade would bring some improvements in lower frequencies.

With EAD Signature SS: More excitement from transient attacks than the BAT but image and sound stage are not as good.

Is it a typicall characteristic of tube gears. Or anyone have compared BAT VK-5i with other SS preamps, please give me your result.
ted263

Showing 1 response by joeabrams

joeabrams
132 posts
 
Dear Ted,

Could be an impedance mis-match. If the output impedance of the BAT is above 100 ohms and the input impedance of the Rowland is below 47 k ohms, then this mis-match alone could be causing all yr problems. The lower the actual impedance of the amp's inputs and the longer your interconnects between them, the worse this might sound. Please check yr manuals or call the factories to get the specs.

Best of luck,
Joe
More to discover