McIntosh or BAT amps what is your preference

I was a BAT dealer and had two VK-150se amps with both VK-40 and VK-51se preamps. While I absolutely loved the sound of this system the amps sounded lacking when compared to a Belles 350-A amp, and I mean lacking in bass slam, natural tones, fine detail, black background, etc. I then got a set of 350-A monoblocks at about 1500 watts each into 8 ohms and all of the qualities were multiplied. These sound like the best tube amp with way better tonal character and bass detail, and are truly fatigue free. Try a 350-A and you'll never go back to the tubes except for preamp purposes. Also the 21-A at $3000 smokes either of the best BAT preamps by being profoundly more open and dynamic, I used the BAT stuff to do A/B comparison demos.

I have the MC352, I have heard comments about it being one of the 5 best amps in the world. Are you thinking of BAT becuse you want to get into tubes?

My McIntosh MDA1000 DAC feeding directly into the MC352 can drive the MC352 with complete clearty into concert SPL Levels with out breaking a sweat or play Jazz so real you would swear they are right there.

Mark, at the time I was considering the BAT due to a A/B comparison at a dealer between the MC501's vs a Bat amp (forget the model number..old age). I too have the MC352 running the front with a MX135. I love the sound but you know the quest for the Audio Holy Grail. One of the other motives was space. I use the MC7205 as a 3 channel and thought I could down to one box. But I love Mc Look and sound to much to switch. I would say the BAT sounds better on the bass but may be too analytical over time. I am now thinking of tring the MC207 7 channel amp. Have you ever listened to it? Every dealer that has it doesn't have its set up for good music only theater.

No I have not heard the MC207, I wonder if you can call a dealer and have them set one up. Some dealers will do that for you.

I wanted to try the MC1201's with the C200 but no dealer in New England have the MC1201's in stock. They are all pushing the C2200 and the MC2102, I think they are hot sellers.

Mark

I replaced my BAT VK-3i with a McIntosh C42 and the improvement is remarkably large for two preamps that were originally close in retail price. The BAT was missing a lot in terms of inner detail and soundstage organization so it never was able to convey the life in music like the C42 can.