2. amps-preamps
  3. 160345-2137

Is this an Upgrade or a Lateral Move?

So, what I think may be "upgradeitis" is starting to hit. My Mom passed away from COVID this past April and, as part of my grief protocol, I’ve been listening to A LOT of music. I’ve had a BAT VK-3i preamp since ’03 and really dig it. I was thinking about moving to a BAT VK-33 (not the "se") which is dual mono ... the VK-3i isn’t. Otherwise, the two preamps are very similar in structure (e.g., xlr and rca outputs/inputs), and the VK-33 appears to me to be somewhat of an update of the VK-3i. So, the question is ... would the move be an upgrade or a lateral move? BTW, I’m using BAT VK-225se power amp (I like the BAT synergy) and JA Pulsars (v1). What say ye?
rlb61
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,184 posts
 
John Atkinson's Stereophile measurements indicate Pulsars are easy to drive...  "the Pulsar is an easy load for the partnering amplifier to drive. Not only is the phase angle relatively low, the impedance remains above 8 ohms for most of the audioband, dropping below that value only in the lower midrange, to reach a minimum magnitude of 6.5 ohms at 210Hz."
 
I recommend you consider going with a tube integrated such as Linear Tube Audio Z40 or a Line Magnetic LM-508IA.  If you haven't tried an all tube system, you are in for a treat!
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,836 posts
 
FWIW, I had a vk3i many years ago, late 90s. I won a VK-30 in an online contest and while waiting for it to be delivered, I sold the 3i. This was a mistake because to my ears the 3i was the better preamp. I didn't keep the 30 long before I moved it on out. 

Oz 
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
rlb61, I'm very sorry about your Mom. Some good music, maybe some she liked will help.
rlb61 OP
742 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for your condolences. They are very much appreciated. In this difficult time, music has been my solace, both from a listening and playing perspective. 
jond's avatar
jond
5,660 posts
 
My condolences on the loss of your mom. And music is so healing I am glad it's helping you rlb61.
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