I don't BAT pre's have a particular "tubey" sound like the older ARC's but have a wonderful engaging midrange. The newer ARC's have a less tubey sound but have not heard any. A buddy of mine has a LS16MKII which I want to hear soon but he says its not "that" tubey. I had an older LS7 in my system a few years ago and didn't care for it at all. Have not heard the VTL but almost bought.
