Anyone update your BAT VK60 to SE status?

I too was comtemplating upgrading my VK-60 monoblocks to SE status, but at $5000 for both amplifiers, I felt the cost was too prohibitive. I have been told that even with this upgrade, the VK-60SE will not quite achieve the sonics of the VK-75SE. IMO, the extra money is proabably better spent on another set of BAT VK-75 or other monoblocks (new or used). In the meantime, I have decided to swap the stock 6SN7's with some NOS RCA tubes. While I do not expect this to necessarily elevate my VK-60 to SE status, it should add refinement to the already excellent sound of the VK-60.

I will be swapping some tubes next week.
I did try some 6922 red base RCA's in place
of the 6H8C's ( warmed the sound a quite a
bit). I'm waiting for some tubes to put in
place of the 6V6GT's. I will post progress
later. I believe that tubes are extra when
doing the upgrade to SE from BAT.

Hey Saxman2,

Are you tube rolling the 75se?

I do not own a VK60,but for the time
being, I own a VK75 and VK75se. I've
been swapping them in and out of my
system for several days, and can't
decide which I like the most. The
se has stock tubes currently, and the
VK75 has two ECC34 mullards in front.
The VK75 is much warmer(my wife's favorite.
The VK75se is a little quicker. I have some
tubes coming for the VK75se, hopefully
this will help with my decision. I will
have to sell one of the two. Swapping some
power cords, and tubes has made it a harder
decision than I thought it would be. I can say
at this time, that the VK50se preamp is a good
match for the VK75.

Interesting subject, I was always planning on unloading my VK-60 and upgrading to a 75se just because I didn't think it would be worth it. But then again for $2500 you get new boards and tubes, and a much different sounding amp. I figured to get a used 75se and sell the 60 it would cost about $3500 at least- plus shipping and other potential hassels- this may be an option to entertain. Just need to get a temporary amp in the mean time. ~Tim

Upgrading brings the VK60 to similar sonics as the 75SE and well worth the $2500 unless you need the additional power of the 75. This is a major sonic improvement that makes the 60 even more liquid. In fact, one of the best sonic values would be to buy a used later version 60 and have it upgraded. I believe early models require additional changes so the mod cost is more than $2500.