BAT VK3ix an upgrade from Freya +?


We are talking about much older technology but still a great unit.  I have a friend that has the BAT and has offered me a great deal on it but he isn't local to me, so I can't try it out.  

Would this be much of an upgrade compared to my Freya?  Freya has upgraded tubes as does the BAT.  

blkwrxwgn

Unless there is something wrong. A BIG upgrade. I've had both, stock it will better the Freya, if it has any upgrades it just gets better. 6922s (If I remember) I used Telefunken and Blackburns. I'm not a Line Stage guy. But BAT, VTL, AR are serious gear at 30 years old, WAY beyond the little Freya brand new out of the box. 

Something else I didn't like about the Freya for a preamp it runs HOT. The sound is pretty neutral. It worked a lot better with a contour (passive GEQ). I liked the weight and the cool little remote too. Sure had great customer service.. The Freya..

Regards

+1 it will be much better simply because of the size of the power supply if nothing else.

Go the BAT, especially at a good price from a trusted source. Cheers,

Spencer

+1 it will be much better simply because of the size of the power supply if nothing else.

Agree with @jond .  It was built to a much higher price point which allows for better built construction/parts/chassis/power supply/transformers etc.

Charles 

Actually went a different direction and got a Line Magnetic 805ia.  

Had to give that high power SET a try.

I don’t think the BAT is automatically an upgrade. I had an original VK 3i and later a VK 30 (which I actually won in an internet contest). I honestly thought the 3i was the better of the two, but both are a little on the dark side of neutrality. I wanted something more transparent and frankly more musical (there’s that word) so I moved on.

The 3ix is a little long in the tooth and may not beat the Freya. I have seen some comparisons to some heavy hitters and it’s done very well. Don’t assume the BAT will be the winner. My guess is if your system is passive friendly, then that mode will slay the BAT.

The 3ix is a little long in the tooth and may not beat the Freya. I have seen some comparisons to some heavy hitters and it’s done very well. Don’t assume the BAT will be the winner. My guess is if your system is passive friendly, then that mode will slay the BAT.

Subjective by default so varying listener preference is never surprising. I still  believe that the BAT is built to a higher standard. But yes it does not guarantee it'd be  everyone's choice.

@blkwrxwgn 

I believe that you'll be happy with the LM 805 SET amplifier.  48 watt pure class A circuit . Word of mouth says this is a very good sounding amplifier. 

Charles 

Yes the BAT may be somewhat warmer than the Freya. Many would prefer that. I have heard BAT amplification and enjoyed the experience.

The Freya is very good at it's price point, however as aforementioned the BAT is built to a higher standard.

BAT is (has) going through management/owner changes and my only concern would be service for a used unit. Not to declare service a problem, however I would look into that if interested in a used unit. 

Appreciate the feedback everybody and sorry it was a waste but I'm sure other Freya owners appreciate the feedback.

Decided I would pay a bit extra for the Line Magnetic (used) instead of a Willsenton or Muzishare.  LM has been around a lot longer than those two and has a history and dealer support.

Can't wait to play with it!