2. amps-preamps
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Need help with choosing a tubed pre-amp.

After trying to find interconnects and what not to fix the sterile, somewhat harsh upper region sound of my SS system, I've decided to get a tubed pre-amp. I'm entering a new territory, and any road map or reccomendations would be greatly appreciated. My very modest system:

Adcom GFP 750 preamp (passive)
Bel Canto 2
Arcam cd72t
Audio Physic sub
Monitor Audio Silver 8i
Nordost Quattro Fil ic

I'm looking at a used BAT VK 5i and seem to like it. Does anyone have any experience with it and can relate the positive/negative to owning one. Or, if there are better alternatives within the price range.

I listen to mostly jazz and am looking for something smooth, warm, dynamic w/o overly warm or loss of detail and transparency. Or, the closest thing to a real life jazz concert. I know I've got a long way to go, but it's a start.

My thanks in advance.
mhu
10 responses Add your response
waterman58
13 posts
 
I use a BAT VK5i preamp with a pair of Bel Canto eVo 200.2 amps in the monoblock configuration driving a pair of B&W 801 matrix series 3 speakers. The combination is wonderful! Smooth, but detailed with a huge soundstage and no edginess at all.
Good luck with your quest.
rsbeck
887 posts
 
Check out the McIntosh C-2200.

The dealer had this pre-amp in the system when I
auditioned a pair of speakers -- sounded great.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
ivanj
35 posts
 
I would say your problem is the combination of Monitor Audio, Belcanto, and Nordost. The Adcom in passive mode is merely letting that edgy, additive combination through. Nevertheless the BAT is a nice preamp. All IMHIO.
zig
8 posts
 
I have had very good and economical success with a full function Quicksilver preamp - it is quite Industrial looking and would not win any current style awards - however it is built like a tank, dead reliable and fine sounding. Would also highly recommend MELOS products - better styling, full featured, great sound. Neither of these manufacturer's products are anyone's "darlings of the press" and as a result are very fairly priced.
joe_b
421 posts
 
I have been happy with the sound of the Quicksilver LS preamp. With your speakers, I would also suggest investigating the AH! LS Noise Killer filters.
newbee
4,751 posts
 
If you can do without a remote, and a phono section, I think one of the best deals going is the EAR 834L. You can usually pick one up used for about $650 to 750. I use one in a second system - it has a tube compliment of 3 and is very undemanding on the tubes, i.e. long life. Tonally its like the line stage of my ARC SP10II but with better bass and it is a bit more transparent.
jsawhitlock
302 posts
 
You may consider a different cd player, perhaps going to a transport and D/A with tubes and also consider trying different cables as the tube pre may be more of a problem to match with the rest of your system. I think taking care of you cd playback will yield the most improvement! Happy Listening!
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
A tubed pre-amp is a great place to start to achieve the musical charictaristics you are looking for. Of all the components I have upgraded the pre-amp has always had the biggest impact on the musicality of my system. I would recommend you also including Conrad Johnson on your short list. However, BAT is very good as well and would serve you well.

Chuck
garfish
1,840 posts
 
I think you're heading in a really good direction W/ your system, and the BAT could be a good choice. But, IMO, the real beauty of tubed pre-amps is that you can choose the tubes that YOU like best for the sound quality/character that YOU want. I use an SF Line 2SE and can recommend it (as well as the Line 1), but it didn't really come to life until I found the tubes that "did it for me". Good Luck. Craig
mhu OP
102 posts
 
My thanks to everyone who responded. There are some used Bat VKd5 tube cd and VK-5 pre out there. If I can gather enough cash (i'm starting with the couch and the car is next), I'll probably try to get both.

Thanks
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