2. amps-preamps
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Ayre vs VTL vs BAT

I currently have an Ayre V-5xe amp and K-5Xe preamp. I am thinking about upgrading my preamp and possibly the amp as well. I have auditioned a number of companies products including Aethetix, Ayre, BAT, Cary, CAT, and Levinson. So far, I liked the Ayre K-1Xe and BAT-51SE the best. The last preamp/amp combo that I wanted to try was VTL, but there are no dealers near me. Can anyone tell me what kind of sonic differences I will hear between the Ayre K-1Xe vs the VTL 7.5? How about the V-1Xe or V-5Xe vs the VTL 450 monoblocks? Please feel free to comment on the BAT vs the VTL products as well if you have experience there.
kmiller5

Showing 1 response by jc51373

jc51373
548 posts
 
My experience with VTL has been excellent, and I have been dealing with them for years. I think it is important to know how to deal with VTL. E-mail is not the best way to communicate, over the phone is best. Bea is very helpful, and if necessary Luke will get on the phone as well. In fact he has called me on my cell personally, unsolicited. And I don't own their high-priced equipment-5.5 and an ST-150.

I will admit, they are not quick with getting equipment out to you, and they aren't the perfect service company. But VTL should not be avoided for service reasons, they are excellent to deal with, and their products are well-worth overlooking any (very) minor shortcomings.
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