former BAT vk200 owners-what did you move up to?

Here's what my listening experiences were.....let me know if you agree. I had a Mark Levinson 23.5. Then a Coda 11.5 which sounded better then the ML. Then Clayton M100 monoblocks which were better then the Coda. Then a Plinius 100 MkIII which sounded not near as good as the Clayton monos. Then a Clayton s40 which was almost as good (96%) as the M100 monoblocks (more bass with the monos), and definitly better than the Plinius, Coda, and ML. Anyone heard both the Clayton S40 AND the BAT vk200 and compared them?

I auditioned the vk200, the clayton m100 monoblocks (till I could try the s40) and the plinius sa100mkIII. I think that stevegolf1 described the BAT deadon. It did have very impressive bass, but the treble felt a little rolled off (hence, it was helpful at softening sibilance). The Plinius still provided good bass (and as I have a sunfire subwoofer, it wasn't as important to me) and offered superior detail, definition and separation in my system.

The S40 is very much the same sound as the M100 monoblocks, just less power. In terms of bass power, I'd say BAT first, then Clayton, then Plinius. But the Clayton had a slight lower-midrange hump that while I found very pleasing, especially with vocals, was not something that I could see myself wanting to keep longterm. The plinius was the most neutral of the amps I tried. I enjoyed it in AB, but give it about 30 minutes in Class A and the music just got deeper and sweeter.

Hope this helps.

I auditioned a BAT vk200 while buying my Maggies (3.5). I then heard the same speakers with the vk500, it seemed smoother, more at ease. Great bass control(who says planars have no bass) and a very sweet mid range. The highs just shimmered! Needless to say I now own the vk500. Although I have always used a tube preamp for a little warmth.

can all of you comment on what power cords and interconnects you have used with satisfaction.i have a vk500 which creates a hum or cuts off sound if i use any i/c other than cheap balanced monsters, i own silver ovals which for the moment create ditortion-as with other i/cs.am trying Whales 200hours only hoping to hear improvements people raved about thisPC not sure if vk500 will mate easily.DOES BAT respond well to HT PRO AC11. sunil