Bat VK-51se vs. Atma-sphere MP-1 Mk II

Hello,

I know that you ask about the 51SE vs the MP1, but a year ago I was looking to spend much less so I compared the 31SE vs MP3 to my ARC LS5 III. This was at a Minneapolis BAT dealer; I had borrowed the MP3 from another dealer for this shootout. To make a long story short, I was so very disappointed with the MP3. The Atmasphere amps get the highest praise over and over which made me have this bias that the MP3 would be the clear winner. It was entirely the opposite. If you're interested in the details, search through the archives for my comments on the 31SE ... which I ultimately purchased.

The BAT products are so well made, solid battleship construction, incredible power supply, etc. The MP3 was simply none of these. I still would like to hear the MP1 and I will go back to the BAT dealer to hear the 51SE. But for now, I am very pleased with the 31SE.

John

Just a few thoughts. You don't mention if you need a phono section. I mention this because the atmasphere comes with one and 51se does not.
Regarding reliabilty I can't comment on bat but I have owned an atmasphere amp and preamp for some time and reliability is excellent. Should there be a problem factory support is world class.
I currently use an MP3 mostly with vinyl and will only say that it is capable of exceptional sound.
As always, the best option is to audition the products and decide for yourself.

at present i have decided to not go with the bat or the atmasphere...

I am in suspense - what direction did you go?

But nobody has owned/compared the BAT VK-51SE with the MP-1(line-stage)with an Atma-Sphere amp?