2. amps-preamps
  3. 148091-2137

Got a BAT VK-225se ... Holy Moly!

So, yesterday I took delivery of a BAT VK-225se power amp, and all I can say is WOW! It’s like having an entirely new system, not a mere component upgrade. Bass slam, grip, and control are simply astounding, and soundstaging has a great deal of three dimensionality. I’m hearing lots of detail, and have never heard my rig sound so good. Instruments sound more real than I had heard in my rig previously. The amp it replaces is a Musical Fidelity A300cr with more wattage (225 wpc, dual mono), yet the VK-225se blows it away completely. I had never before run balanced between my VK-3i and a power amp, but it really makes a huge difference. I am really digging my system more than ever, and I never thought that a power amp could have such a positive effect.
rlb61

Showing 2 responses by stereo-one

stereo-one
13 posts
 
Hi Rib61,

Did you ever try the BAT VK250SE??  I just bought the BAT VK 23SE and love it so far.  Only have 10 hours of burn in.  My Amp now is the Adcom 555MKII.  Still works good but I agree with you in moving to all BAT.
My speakers are 87DB sensitive.  But need 50-150W (300W Pecks)
I really like the older sound of BAT.  Like the VK 250SE.  Thinking of mixing the new with the old BAT sound.  Like you did only the reverse. But your glowing review about the VK 225SE has got me thinking ether the VK 250SE vs the new VK 225SE.

Any thoughts from you or anyone else??
Thanks
stereo-one
13 posts
 
Rib61,
I recently bought the BAT VK-43SE.  Which is a great sounding preamp. I was hoping to find a 42SE  but could not.  From what I've been told it's pretty accurate that the 42SE is more tube like.  Where is the 43SE is definitely more three-dimensional with a lower noise floor.   The highs at times are a bit harsh for me.  I auditioned The Mcintosh MC152 which sounded amazing with the BAT VK 43SE.  Very balanced but I can't remember if it softens the highs which is what I was looking for.  At that time I was having a turntable issue.  I now have had the VK-225SE which gave me a little more rich deep bass.  More of a little punch that some of my CDs and records needed In my opinion.  But the characteristics have changed.  Now I thing the VK 225SE Is a little too bloomy in bass.  The Macintosh MC152 was much more Refined. That added to the three-dimensional sound of the VK-43SE.  So Right now I'm a little confused About the VK-225SE.  You mentioned Transformer hum of which I just noticed recently.  And the noise floor is much higher.  At the beginning with the VK-225SE it was very low and quiet.   The VK 225SE Volume levels are much lower with the 43SE on both sources.  I did like the Mac because right now the BAT sounds a little dark.   I'm wondering if the Mac would round off the highs a little more.  Any thoughts?
More to discover