Opinions: Used BAT VK-51SE or New VK-23SE

All I can say is that running a BAT preamp with Emotiva power amp will result in a very dry, without good top end extension and hard to listen to at higher volumes.It would be good to get a warmer sounding pre to go with the Emotiva amp. In my opinion. McIntosh is the first name that pops into my head but their are others (Audio Research, Modwright,)that would give you a warmer more natural sound and much more musical overall. I have owned the BAT 31se with 6H30's and was highly unimpressed, "super tubes" Good thing BAT is the only one who has these tubes "super dry" if you ask me.



Matt M

jmcgrogan2, The OP asked for opinions on the BAT pre amp, I guess I should clarify what I meant when I used the term "dry" when describing the BAT sound. Of all the pre amps I have listened to and purchased and re sold, it was the BAT that was cold, uninspiring, and no beauty of tone, don’t look for musicality either....Sure there was great bass and dynamics but with enhanced mid range and no high frequency extension what so ever. 

P.S. I’m sure using a BAT power amp would change a lot of this for the better, but thats not what the OP is going to experience and nor did I. Also, I use Nordost SPM these were used by many back in the day for their transparency with natural and proper (sound staging, instrument placement ect...) sound. Cardas has to be some of the most colored cables ive heard ( to give you an idea where my ears are at) and Analysis Plus cables have accentuated bass and are very colored to me. Kimber Kable is very neutral in my system and sounds very good, Audioquest also. MIT’s sound beautiful but dynamics and leading edge attacks suffer, for this reason I use the Nordost with Morrow because they pair well, otherwise I might be using all MIT’s.

Matt M