Classic BAT vs. Audio Research

For those who have heard them, how does a classic all-tube design like a BAT VK-150SE stack up against a new Audio Research design, like a Reference 150?

imgoodwithtools12-08-2016 11:51pm

Showing 3 responses by imgoodwithtools

imgoodwithtools OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 236 posts 12-10-2016 at 12:25am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I can solder. What is the mod?
imgoodwithtools OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 236 posts 12-09-2016 at 10:28pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I have a line on a used ARC Reference 150 for a reasonable price. If I like it, I could get it upgraded to an SE for $5K more. I wonder how substantial the SE upgrade is?
imgoodwithtools OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 236 posts 12-10-2016 at 01:05am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Thanks for the insight, gpgr4blu. Right now I have the opportunity to buy a used ARC Reference 150 for $7500, or a pair of BAT VK-150SE amps for $6K. I've always been a solid state guy. I currently run a pair of Ayre MX-R Twenties that I truly love and respect. But I've never heard a tube amp in my system, and I thought It might be a fun winter project. I'm leaning toward the ARC Reference 150. I figure if I like it enough to keep it, I could always get the SE upgrade when it needs tubes.

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