2. amps-preamps
  3. 1228804380

How to determine Preamp "Power"? VTL 5.5 vs BAT SE

I would like to get a tube pre and amp that has a low end on the heftier side. I think I understand that a tube amp with KT88s will have a heftier bottom end than that of an EL34 system (right?). So I have begun looking at a tube pre that will support the bottom end of a KT88 amp.
VTL has a reputation for a strong bottom end. The VTL 5.5 LS pre uses these tubes: 2 x 12AX7, 4 x 12AT7. The BAT 3iX SE (for example) uses 2 6H30 and 2 6V6 tubes. I have read that the 6H30 tubes will give more power at the frequency extremes, eg bottom end than EL34 and even KT88 (yes? no?). If so, how would the pre "power" of the VTL 5.5 compare to the BAT SE in terms of bottom end heft? Or, am i looking at this all wrong? (tube newbie). Thanks!
1graber2

Showing 1 response by musical_sounds

musical_sounds
15 posts
 
Hello, have you considered the NAT Audio tube preamps? In particular, the Symmetrical model is a worthy contender.

The Symmetrical uses 12 tubes (each half of the tube is used fully). Incrediblly clean, dynamic and very natural sounding.

We import the line so naturally I am biased towards them but, you really should take a look at their website at this link: www.nataudio.com

Good Luck
More to discover