2. amps-preamps
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Choosing between 2 preamps

Hello

I have narrowed down my search to 2 preamps that comes in my budget.

BAT VK-31se

Atma Sphere MP 3 with phono stage(not sure which mk i sent a mail to Ralph)

Both around 2200-2300 dollars.

The BAT Capacitors have been changed to Audience Auricap, instead of 6 each side there are 2 of 10.0mfd 400vdc.

both sounds good, I heard the Atmasphere with my power and B&W 802 diamond, sound was pretty anemic , but i think my power couldn’t drive the speaker properly (AUDIO RESEARCH REF75se)

 

between both of them because I didnt listen side by side I cant really tell, also difference in all other gear except my Power amp.

 

I would be happy to get suggestions regarding it. Thank you

honeybadgertube
silverfoxvtx1800
207 posts
 

You might consider everything from Modwright, all hand made to the highest standards….you can’t go wrong…

jl35
4,083 posts
 

Friend has the VK-31SE and inspired me to buy a VK-33SE ... both excellent...but yours has been modified so probably no one here has a clue how it sounds...

honeybadgertube OP
32 posts
 

As i said got the Atmasphere MP-3 mk3.2

jond's avatar
jond
5,911 posts
 

Congrats on the new preamp! I'd say for the difference in price go NOS not a fan of current production small signal tubes personally.

einsteindisguised
3 posts
 

I have owned a (stock) BAT Vk30SE for over 20 years from new. I auditioned it against an Atmasphere back in the day and the BAT came out tops. It has also proven to be extremely reliable and I've heard multiple preamps since, none of which have tempted me to upgrade. I note ARC adopted the same tube after Victor highlighted its value in audio, and continue to use it. I have replaced the tubes once  (a couple of years ago), not because of a fault but just because of a presumption that newer ones might sound better. They did, but not dramatically so. The company have also been extremely responsive to email enquiries - responses are signed Victor but it's hard to believe he responds personally to each email. 
I have recently been auditioning preamps for potential upgrade, and have found it necessary to get into the >£10k U.K./>$10k price range to get a meaningful improvement. An ARC in 10-15k range didn't come close to my current VK30SE. A Zanden was similar, Kora not as good, Ayon disappointing (in another system). Octave was very good but so far the only preamp which has significantly outperformed my VK30SE, such that I feel it justifies spending the extra money on it, is another BAT, the VK90. I have paused purchase until I hear a similarly priced Allnic. It does depend what kind of sound reproduction you value or are after. I value well placed/focused imaging, with great sense of space and depth, excellent dynamics, and great detail, although always "musical" by which I mean not over-etched/over-bright or fatiguing. Which can sometimes be the price for pursuing the nth degree in fine detail retrieval.

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