ARC LS2 versus B.A.T. VK-3i

Bat has six or so tubes, uses a lot of energy. Never understood why certain preamps have so many tubes versus only two tubes that are used in extremely well regarded preamps. More tubes leads to a lot more heat and in the summer Will complete with the air conditioner and make things uncomfortable. The bat t Rex it’s two separate boxes totaling 16 tubes, this seems really nutty

Conrad Johnsen only has two tubes, VAC has two tubes.

Anyone understand why there is a need for these preamps ( ARC or bat) to have more than two or four tubes?

Mark, I decided to order a Pass Labs X2.5 preamp ..

I don't know VTL or BATVK3i but I have the Thiels 2.4 and Pass Labs X1 (Parasound Halos JC1 amps) and it sounds fantastic

Mark, I decided to order a Pass Labs X2.5 preamp, didn't listen to the VK3i; from reading I think the Pass will be better and won't have the heat (in a cabinet, VK3i runs hot) or tube rolling to worry about. I'll post what I think of the Pass after it arrives. - Jim

@Jim,

Did you audition the VK3i?

Mark

I have Thiel 2.4s and just auditioned a VTL TL-2.5 tube preamp thru a Meridian G06 and Levinson 27.5 amp. It was absolutely amazing, utterly holographic and well, what can I say, very life-like sound, and haven't even optimized spkr wire choice yet. I have never heard such stage depth, width, and clarity in my system, and, as Dgarretson says above, the warmth of the tubes helps tame the overly-forward treble end of the Thiels. I've heard that the BAT vk3i is similar to the VTL and will be auditioning the BAT VK-3i in my system in a few weeks.

You're on the right track with the BAT VK-5i or 3i. They're open & transparent on top(though a bit rolled off), and warmer & bloomier in the middle than BAT's later preamps-- a good offset to the dry sound of Thiel & SS amp. If later on you feel you need more bass control, midrange neutrality, HF extension, then you can get it by replacing the BAT PIO coupling caps with better film caps.

Your Thiels are not known for smoothness IMO. I have heard and had them in my home so they like polite electronics unless you like lots of detail? I think your choice of BAT is a good one. I have a VK5i and VK200 and like both alot. Also had a ARC LS7 on borrow awhile back and didn't care for it. It had good qualities but sounded to me like there was a blanket over the speakers.

Thanks.

I think I will give the BAT a try. I am trying to loose the hard ss's in my set and gain some air.

I've compared the ARC LS15 and SP8 to the BAT VK31. I thought the BAT was generally fuller-bodied and a bit darker, though not lacking in air. I put some Bugle Boy tubes in the BAT and it's pretty hard to beat, now. ARC is good gear, but I think it's a little analytical for my taste. Obviously, these are not direct comparisons, but may give you some ideas.

Thanks Bob.

I will look some further in the ARC line also

I don't know the BAT but I had an LS2BMKII and can ASSURE you there are preamps out there these days which will give you a LOT more definition, air, and... music.

Happy hunting.

I ended up with the LS5MKIII which I've since had modified by GNS.

Bob Wood