2. amps-preamps
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bat vk3ix OR bat vk32se PAIRING bat vk55

staring to move from my BAT vk300x to PRE-POWER and would really appreciate some advise on which of the above combination is better.

aware that the 2 preamps are of different price category but have read that the vk3ix is sweeter ect...and not exactly CAN/SHOULD be compared to vk32se. In short they are different class hence wondering if it makes sense comparing. Further, the bat vk55 is the max i can afford now hence wld decide on that as a fixed option as power amp.

Definitely would appreciate the ideas of tube swapping in the preamps and aware that 32se despite presence of 6H30, allows for swapping as well (without change of any circuit board...or am i mistaken)

My CDP is MARANTZ CD15 and SPEAKERS are Vandersteen 2CEsig2

any comparision is appreciated. : )

and yes, the 32se/55 pairing cost 3000usd MORE than the 3ix/55 pairing ....is this increase worth it?
art80342
vett93
205 posts
 
I have a VK-3iX with all the upgrades, except 6H30s. I found that replacing the stock 6V6GTs with a pair of NOS tubes yielded substantial sonic improvement. It is an inexpensive way to upgrade your VK-3iX.
art80342 OP
65 posts
 
So Stereophile recommends: - VK3ix with Vk55 - makes sense, they are both in the same class.

To pair VK32SE with Vk55 seems like getting a mismatch? much better PRE for a entry level POWER....yet USD 3,000 more in price...

I am still quite confused about which pairing allows more flexible TUBE SWAPPING?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,218 posts
 
Call BAT and ask. They are very helpful.

I read that review and I kind of feel like they do (believe it or not). If you want a combo that makes good music be happy with it and forget about it. If you think you might upgrade to a Vk75 or 75SE later then maybe go for the better preamp if you can afford it. Make sure the rest of your system is up to snuff also like IC's, powercords, etc...One of the best additions I made to my system believe it or not was a Running Springs Haley. It really brought everything into focus.

Bottom line is in my opinion how much do you listen and can afford. Do you feel good about your purchases? My honest opinion is the 3ix/55 combo will be a great one. My 55/5i sounded wonderful.
eweedhome
227 posts
 
I have a BAT VK32 and VK75. Neither are SE's. You can't tube roll in the SE's (as I understand it). To my ear, the non-SE's are much preferable to the SE's because BATs seem to work great for tube rolling, and NOS tubes, for most of us, sound better. Plus, many of us don't care for the 6H30 tube which is part of the SE upgrade. The 6H30's make the gear sound less tubey. Perhaps I'm nuts, but it seems to me that the reason to use tube gear is to enjoy some of the warmth and musicality that tubes can bring to hi-fi.
trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Hello,

To clear up the confusion, you most certainly can tube roll in the 32se. Not only with brands, NOS etc. but also with the type of tubes.

Art80342,

Regarding the 3ix vs. 32se .... I would imagine that most would find the 32se to be the better sounding preamp paired with the VK-55 and it would not be a sonic mismatch in any way. Whether or not the improvement in sound is worth the extra $$$ is something that only the individual user can answer for themselves.

Also wanted to point out that the 32se is more flexible than the 3ix in tailoring the sound to one's taste and system with different tube choices. Hope this helps.

All the best,

Tom
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