Any reviews or info on the vk 43SE?
 

am starting to investigate ss preamplifiers, but can't find much information on this one. I'm new to BAT and would be pairing it with mc2301s (tube mono blocks).

Thanks in advance.

I am a well known BAT fan, but I have to ask - why not a McIntosh preamp?

I will likely end up there, but I want to be sure to survey the landscape for the right $$/performance combination. Have to say that I am quite I intrigued by the BAT product line. If Mc released the c1100 in solid state, that would be hard to pass up though.

I can't seem to find a review of the BAT VK-43SE on the net, but the BAT webpage description sure is tantalizing. :thumbsup:

Jim.......I had the same thought as Randy. I speak from personal experience when I say the McIntosh C1000C/P preamplifier IS the preamp you want to drive the MC2301's. Perfect in every way. Try to find a pre-owned McIntosh C1000C/P. Trust me on this one.

Kudos to Randy for asking the obvious question even though he is a huge BAT fan. :thumbsup:


http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/q...000andPPP1.jpg

Been looking for one used (or a c500) in solid state for a year, with no luck. If it was right, I'd snap up a used c500/1000 solid state. But if there are none used and Mac won't put out a c1100 in solid state, that leaves me looking around. Safest choice is a Mac for the synergy, for sure, but it's a big world out there.

I (like you Dan) really want to combine ss and tubes, and the 2301s are the one component I have with which I will not part. My dealer says he doesn't think there will be a ss c1100, so I continue to look around for solid state pre's. Thus, I am trying to find info on the BAT ss, but am not having much luck.

WC, Victor Komenko (the BAT designer) indicated that the output transformers on the SE models offered superior performance over the oil in paper capacitors. The fully balanced, single gain high current design is a stellar performer. I have the tube/capacitor variant (VK-52SE) feeding SS AMP (obviously the flip of your SS preamp/tube amp setup) and it is a spectacular performer. I believe the VK-43SE would be awesome with your MC 2301s based on specs, BUT I have not heard the pairing in the flesh.

Thanks much.

I used the 42se into several amps (Bryston, VTL, Manley) over a couple year span. Still remember it as one of my favorite SS preamps. Until recently have been using a Mac C2500 into my MC601 amps. Switched to a BAT VK-52se and the BAT made better music for me in every way with the Mcintosh amps.

I personally think that the all McIntosh rig I heard at Stereo Exchange in NY recently sounded smooshy and lacking any kind of testicular drive. Yes it is rich and plummy sounding but at the expense of dynamics and bass and treble extension. I have a VK 42SE that if bettered by the VK43SE, the latter would be a phenomenal preamp, not that the VK42SE is a slouch. My VK53 which I upgraded from the VK52SE is a superior preamp to both its predecessor and the solid state version. I have not heard the VK43SE.

Of course, your mileage may vary.