2. amps-preamps
  3. 997995299

Lack of Bass from my BAT VK-5i Preamp...

I'm running BAT VK-5i tube preamp with Jeff Rowland Model 5 SS amp with really good result but kind of thin in lower frequencies. Here is my comparison in my system between using BAT Tube preamp and EAD Signature SS Preamp with my JR 5 amp to feed B&W 802S3.

With BAT VK-5i Tube: Music is more refined with no grain. Image and soundstage are really excellent. You can spot each of instruments in the band in exact location. More than that, Highs are so sweet and Mids are full and rich. By the way, it lacks the excitement from bass in lower frequencies. I'm in process of getting new Amperex/Tungsol tubes to replace Sovtek tubes. I hope this upgrade would bring some improvements in lower frequencies.

With EAD Signature SS: More excitement from transient attacks than the BAT but image and sound stage are not as good.

Is it a typicall characteristic of tube gears. Or anyone have compared BAT VK-5i with other SS preamps, please give me your result.
ted263

Showing 1 response by marakanetz

marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
One of my friends once bought BAT VK-60 amp with VTL preamp(do not remember a precise model) No matter of impedance values on both ends which were good enough to match, he had the same problem as you do. He was advised to go onto BAT completely meaning having BAT source, preamp etc...
He did buy BAT VK5i and CD-player and than phono and he isn't complaining. He said to me that once you buy a single component of BAT, you'll have to eventually get a BAT complete system meaning that BAT can work with BAT. Does maybe anyone know if there is any problem with connecting BAT with non-BAT components? If you're about to answer than find my thread on amps-preamps forums to share some thoughts.
More to discover