2. amps-preamps
  3. 1148315516

bat vk-51se vs. audio research ref2mkii

thinking about buying a bat vk51se or an audio research ref2mkii. looking for help in deciding between the two.

amyone with experience with these 2 great preamps would be greatly appreciated.

my system consists of:
wadia 861se
vpi hrx
manley steelhead ver.2
pass labs x1 preamp
pass labs x350 amp
wilson watt/puppy ver.7
all cabling(interconnects and speaker) nordost valhalla
all inerconnects balanced or using adapters

thanks, and i would appreciate any and all opinions in regards to the bat and a.r., when compared up against my system and knowing that the new prepamp will replace my x1.

dr. keith zeliger(klzdo)
klzdo

Showing 4 responses by klzdo

klzdo OP
10 posts
 
one more thing to add, i have considered a ref3, however i can not afford the price tag at present or in the forseeable future.

thus i am looking at a preowned vk51se or ref2mkii

i would really appreciate any one who has used or listened to these peices to gover me their input as to pros and cons of each.

thanks,
klzdo
klzdo OP
10 posts
 
thanks for the opinions, but i am not going to upgrade the 350 to a 350.5. i am very happy with the 350 and wp7's.

however i am going to change the preamp to a tube hybrid and am looking for opinions on the vk51se vs the ref2mkii.

klzdo
klzdo OP
10 posts
 
jimburger,

thanks for your most informative reply. i have decided not to go with the ar ref2mkii. i heard one today, and it is very noisy and not as good as i thought it would be. my x1 definately was better.

i am trying to set up an audition for a vk51se in philly next week at david lewis audio as he sells bat and pass labs both.

thanks again,
keith
klzdo OP
10 posts
 
jwin and larryi,
thanks for the help. i will keep my x1 for now, but will wait to audition the batvk51se .

the ref2mkii could be heard making a hum from 5-6 ft. away and i found it annoying.

the pass x0.2 i have also heard, but it is ever so slightly better than the x1, i would not upgrade the x1 to it.

thanks again,
keith
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