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Other Tube Amps that compete with BAT 150SE

I have been thinking about changing my entire system and going with tube amps. I will also be selling my B&W matrix 803s to get a full range speaker that will mate with tubes. I want to narrow down my choices. I have only heard the BAT 150SE amps and want to know what other amps to audition. I live in the NYC area. I want to get as much dynamics, slam and bass as possible but also may consider a bi-amp arrangement with a SS amp for the bottom end (I still have my Kinergetics KBA-75 SS amp class A 140 wpc). I will have to sell my Pass X-250 to get some funds towards the purchase of the tube amps. I would probably look to buy in the $10K and under price range.

Your comments and suggestions are appreciated.

Happy Listening.
bigkidz
sternart
34 posts
 
I'm quite pleased with the BAT 150SE's and I've owned quite a few amps. I am however using them with Genesis 201's which have a separate sub-woofer amp, kind of like what you are describing for a bi amp set up.
frigi86
10 posts
 

Hi, go listen to the Lamm ML-1, 90 watt mono tube amps. They go for around $8000 to $10,000 on Audiogon when you can find a pair. Once you listen to Lamm you will say, what is BAT?
murphthelab
21 posts
 
I can't comment on a straight up competitor to the VK-150SE's. However, I am using BAT's VK-60, bi-amped with a big class-A SS amp on the bottom (Krell KSA-200S), and the results are fantastic w/ my Martin Logans. I believe the BAT tube amps are gain matched well w/ the big Krells (26 and 26.5 dB). If the Krell's can't produce tight base, they can't do anything. Even passive bi-amping is good for the tubes because it "load unburdens" the amplifier. You can even add a HP filter at the tube amp input to come darn close to active bi-amp. It's just a capacitor. Victor at BAT can tell you more.
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