BAT VK 75SE vs 150SE's or maybe a VK600SE?

Jafox, the actual comment was made in the BAT response to the review, not by RH. The response, signed by Victor, Steve and Geoff states:

"Indeed, one can listen to our reference VK-150SE tube monoblocks and upon immediately switching to the VK-600SE, be surprised not by the difference in sound, but by the remarkable similarity that has been achieved across our solid state and tube designs."

So maybe I erred by using the word identical. BAT's claim is that they sound remarkably similar, but not identical. The gent who claimed that he heard both units at the BAT factory and could not tell the difference, told me that BAT supposedly 'voiced' them to sound alike.

As to why BAT would do this, I have no answer for that. Perhaps to capture those who are after tube amps as well as those who prefer solid state.

Cheers,
John

I see you have Watt/Puppy 6. Before you buy up to more power, consider trying the Zeroimpedance.com Autoformers with your 75wpc stereo amp. I have the VK75SE and W3P2s. The 4x impedance multiplier of the Autoformer inductor makes the Wilson into a nominal 16 ohm speaker, which greatly improves the damping factor and makes 75W of tube power feel like big monos. You move the speaker to the high impendance taps! The Autoformers add no editorial affect that I can hear. This is an amazingly effective remedy to the amp/speaker mismatch.

Dave

I'm all BAT too but not SE. I auditioned the VK-75 and loved them. Having a large room however I opted for a pair of VK-150s instead. What did it do for me? It allows my system to sound full bodied and complete at even very low listening levels. Ultimately, the character of the system stays linear even as you start playing louder. I imagine the 150 SE would do the same in lieu of a 75 SE.

I'm currently going up from a 31 SE to a 51SE. I'm hoping the difference is as profound as the jump from a stock 6922 31 to my 31 SE. Being half way around the world I don't have the luxury of a home audition. Fortunately past experience with BAT (from P10 to P10SE Super Pack) is good enough for me to take this leap of faith.

Hi, I had a 31se on loan while my 50 was getting updated to 51se status. The difference on the phono stage will be similar. The 51SE is a good step up from the 31se...nothing goes backwards...Just remember, a new 51se will take 100-200 hours before it sounds great (breakin).

Good luck !!

Have to agree with Kahuna about the upgrade from 75's to 150's. I went from the 75SE to 150SE's running into Legacy Focus Speakers. Increased power gives more control and of course, more head-room at higher volumes. I think there is always some improvement when going from stereo to monoblocks, however variable. I must say I am intrigued by Dgarretson's idea of using the Zeroimpedance product. May be an improvement even with the 150's, as the speaker and amp are made more compatible.