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  1. #1
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    BAT VK-53SE Preamplifier? ...

    http://balanced.com/p-vk-53se

    Has anyone heard this preamp? Thoughts on BAT preamps?

    How does BAT compare to ARC, VAC, McIntosh and other balanced preamps? I am curious what balanced preamp is best with my Bryston 28BSST2 amps (among others as well). A friend is using his McIntosh C500T with a Hegel H30 and that combo is outstanding.



    Last edited by joeinid; September 20, 2015 at 02:21 AM.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  2. #2

    Re: BAT VK-53SE Preamplifier? ...

    I haven't heard the 53, but heard its predecessor the 52. BAT is a bit noisy, plus they run very hot. Not my first choice in preamps.
    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    http://balanced.com/p-vk-53se

    Has anyone heard this preamp? Thoughts on BAT preamps?

    How does BAT compare to ARC, VAC, McIntosh and other balanced preamps? I am curious what balanced preamp is best with my Bryston 28BSST2 amps (among others as well). A friend is using his McIntosh C500T with a Hegel H30 and that combo is outstanding.



    Focal Scala V2, Accuphase DP-550, Avid Volvere, SME 309, Benz-Micro Reference Copper S, Accuphase C-37 phono pre, Tara Labs 0.8, Accuphase A-70, Accuphase C-2420 preamp

  3. #3
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    Re: BAT VK-53SE Preamplifier? ...

    Thanks! I know the amps run hot, wasn't sure about the preamps but it does make sense.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  4. #4

    Re: BAT VK-53SE Preamplifier? ...

    What do you mean by 'noisy'?
    Triangle Magellan Concerto 2 < AQ Everest < Vitus Audio SS-010 Mk2 < AQ Dragon HC < AQ WEL Signature XLR < Chord Qutest w UpTone JS-2 & AQ Dragon Source < SOtM tX-USBultra w 75Ohm Master Clock Input, Paul Hynes SR5-12 Turbo XL & AQ Dragon Source < AQ Diamond USB < Aurender N-100H w AQ Dragon Source < Gryphon PowerZone w AQ NRG-Wild < Solid Tech Hybrid < Ansuz Darkz D-TC, Darkz D2, Stillpoints Ultra SS, Omicron Harmonic Stabilizer & Gold SE < Furutech FT-SWS < Synergistic Research Blue Quantum Fuse

  5. #5

    Re: BAT VK-53SE Preamplifier? ...

    Quote Originally Posted by johndoe21ro View Post
    What do you mean by 'noisy'?
    Not a very quiet background....some audible hiss.
    Focal Scala V2, Accuphase DP-550, Avid Volvere, SME 309, Benz-Micro Reference Copper S, Accuphase C-37 phono pre, Tara Labs 0.8, Accuphase A-70, Accuphase C-2420 preamp

  6. #6
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    Re: BAT VK-53SE Preamplifier? ...

    Hmm. That's not been my experience. I'd say BAT is every bit the equal of the other brands mentioned.
    Regards,
    Steve

    https://www.audionirvana.org/forum/t...geezr-s-system
    I only do what the voices in my wife's head tell her to tell me to do.

  7. #7
    Senior Member
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    Re: BAT VK-53SE Preamplifier? ...

    I have the Vk-51se and it is dead quiet. Maybe you had some noisy tubes. They do run hot but 8 tubes will do that. I can't speak for the 53se model but Stereophile called the 51se one of the top preamps in the world at the time. The 53se is supposed to be much better.

    Check out the thread on the VK-53se. You may be able to ask the guy that upgraded his 52se to the 53se what he thinks. Vicktor Khomenko from BAT is also on this forum.

    http://www.audioaficionado.org/balan...vk-53se-3.html
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

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