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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!
128x1281graber2
paladin's avatar
paladin
227 posts
 
To my understanding as explained to me by a tech from Conrad Johnson: EL34's are best for monitors.
Are your speakers monitors or floorstanders?
IMHO: I would go with the BAT SE for the power amp & the dual chassis VAC Ren. Sig. Mk. II pre amp (the best pre I've ever owned).
Best regards
Richard
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
The innards of the power amp such as capacitors etc, is what is going to determine the bass output capabilities, not the tube type. There are plenty of KT88 amps with minimal low frequency slam.
1graber2's avatar
1graber2 OP
303 posts
 
THanks for all the input. Yes, I was afraid I was oversimplifying this comparison of pre output power based on tube types only. I actually have the BAT 300X SE hybrid integrated amp (150Watts) running a pair of Dali Helicon 400s. Im pretty happy with it for much of my music, but certainly not all, as I listen to a broad variety: the bottom end just gets a soft at times. I like BATs version of "musicality" and the fluidity it offers. I'm not searching for the "perfect" system, but want to try to move toward a tube pre/ SS amp to listen to most of my music. I plan to go to separates at some point, so am considering the VTL and BAT. I plan to try a Simaudio Moon W-3 (125 Watts +) or W-5 (190 Watts+) as my SS amp. The thing is that my listening room/bed room is only 12X15. The Dali's are almost too big already, so am shooting for a powerful amp to tighten the bass and achieve good sound at lower volumes.
Any feedback would be helpful.
Gary
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
Instead of changing equipment, consider adding a powered subwoofer to your setup?
semi
649 posts
 
have not owned BAT or VTL, but have owned some ARC and SF L3SE in the past. SF L3SE, despite its large power supply, does not offer as much bass weight as other reference class pre amp though the quality of bass is top notch.

if what you are after is tight and deep bass, check out Einstein pre amp. another pre amp to consider is EAR top model with transformer coupled output stage.
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