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
rlb61 OP
789 posts
 
Thanks to all for the good wishes. The sound of the BAT combo is awesome and I’m having a huge blast. The VK-225se has amazing punch and control; it is a wonderful amp and I am very pleased with it. Not cheap, but this is a prime example of paying for quality.

One recommendation ... it turns out I had some DC offset on the line going to the amp which resulted in a very slight transformer hum. Hadn’t heard it with my other amp because it is choke regulated. Anyway, I bought an Emotiva CMX-2, which has a DC offset feature. I plugged the BAT into the Emotiva, and there was dead silence ... no hum at all. Here’s a link explaining the Emotiva unit ... I recommend it highly, particularly for units with large, toroidal tranformers. https://emotiva.com/products/cmx-2
dep14
336 posts
 
BAT makes good stuff.  I had a VK 200 for a while that I picked-up used.  Was a really great amp.  Punched WAY above it's weight.  If I needed a budget amp I would look for one again in a heartbeat.

I've not had the chance to own one of their pre-amp's.  I'd like to try one someday.  
blade5658
1 posts
 
I have a BAT 225SE and 23SE That I want to sell on Audiogon.  What shoukd I ask?  I bought them in 2016 and thay are in mint condition, still under warantee.
rlb61 OP
789 posts
 
What's your reason for selling?
stereo-one
5 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
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