2. amps-preamps
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Pream question

A few days ago I got Audio Research LS-5 MKII for testing. The sound seems good for me so I decided to buy it. But right now there are two more preamps in the same price range at our local market: Audio Research LS-25 MKII and Balanced Audio Technology VK-51SE. All have quite positive feedbacks... What will be the best choice among these three?

My current system is: B&W Matrix 803 S2, Luxman Da-06 DAC and Luxman M600-A amp.
alex_bolotnikov

Showing 4 responses by dweller

dweller's avatar
dweller
3,748 posts
 
You won't hear the 51SE at its best unless you spend the "big dough" and get some NOS "DR" 6H30 tubes (talk to BAT). I tried some new production tubes which gave dreadful sound (and died within three months).
Nobody said the high-end is easy...
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,748 posts
 
All three could be quite old.
Whichever you choose, you'll probably want to send back to the factory for an inspection (caps in particular).
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,748 posts
 
My guess is they've been making the VK-51SE almost 20 years.
The internet (or BAT) can tell you for sure...
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,748 posts
 
Like talking to the wall...
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