BAT VK 500?

Eddy, I think you can't go wrong with the BAT VK-500. I had a VK500 driving a pair of Dyanudio Confidence 5s. It made those speakers sing and had plenty of bass. That is saying a lot considering how power hungry the Dynaudios are. I was using it with a VK-5i preamp which had great synergy. The midrange on that system was FANTASTIC.

I just did an entire system overhaul for non-audio reasons and sold the speakers, VK500 and have the 5i for sale. I went with more efficient Talon Khoruses and upgraded to the BAT VK-50SE pre, and VK-75SE amp. I think the fact that I stuck with BAT electronics is a testament as to how good they are and what a value.

Also, because of a glut of VK500s on the market, you can STEAL them for about $2800. IMHO, the VK500 is THE best solid state amp you will get for that price.

The VK 500 is a great amp
and a terrific value

This amp is awesome!!! I used it for a while.Much more musical than the Plinius. I dont know the Pass gear is pretty awesome. I sold my BAT and went with Levinson. Everyone is diffrent. Good luck

Hi Lev335,

What things did the ML 335 do better than the BAT that made you switch? Does the 335 sound cool/less warm than the BAT? I haven't decided yet myself. BTW how does the Jeff Rowland Model 10 compare if you have demoed before you got your 335. Thanks!

I have had a VK-500 for about 2 months now. It replaced a great sounding but leaner PS Audio 100c. I use it on Vandersteen 2CE sigs for Jazz and Rock. I have been very impressed by the improvement in almost every aspect of my system. The most obvious being the bass extension and control. Soundstage is stable and large. Well recorded drums sound real! Worth every penny.

The Plinius and the Pass labs amps have similar design philosophies. But I have not heard them in my system to compare.