2. amps-preamps
  3. 1109155985

BAT vs. Mcintosh?

I currently own a VK-60 amp that I absolutely love but have often been intrigued by Mcintosh products. I will be able to spend about two thousand dollars on my next upgrade & have always considered purchasing another VK-60 but don't really have the room to run two of these massive amps based on the size of my listening area. Would I be better off trying a Mcintosh product, maybe a MA6500 or one of their other amps? I realize my VR4 jr's could use some more power which is why I'm considering the switch to a big Mcintosh solid state. I listen to clasic rock exclusively.
fishwater
aball
2,018 posts
 
The MA6500 is a very sweet amp with tube-like qualities. Ultimately though, you will have to try it in your system and see what you think. Buying used, you can't lose any money on a McIntosh so it is definately worth a try! My buddy has a Vk-3i that is excellent - it has a sound similar to McIntosh preamps.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
When considering Mcintosh be sure to listen to the latest 2102 tube amp. It can out perform just about anything in its class.
theo's avatar
theo
2,693 posts
 
As a current McIntosh owner I have been considering the BAT amps. I recentley, at a local McIntosh and BAT dealer did a head to head comparison. Using the Mc MC501 Monoblocks against the VK600. As a Mc owner I reluctantly must confess the BAT sounded more detailed, precise and the bass was much quicker and deatailed whereas the MC sounded a little "muddy" in the bass. I never would have picked up on this, had I not done the comparison. Don't get me wrong I Love my Mc's and think they sound great, but I am considering a switch. But I do want to do another A-B before I do it will be hard to part with the blue meters and glass fronts. The speakers in the test were JM Labs grands, Boulder pre-amp and Accuphase CD. No slouches in the group. Let me add I considered JM Labs for speakers but always felt they we a little bass heavy untill I heard them through the BAT's.
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