2. amps-preamps
  3. 1411553763

has BAT priced itself out of the market?


I'm a big fan of BAT equipment and have used and loved their equipment over the years. My concern is that with the introduction of their REX series they may have lost their position in the "sweet spot" for most realistic and accessible products. I owned VK60 at $4500 which was reasonable for performance/ fit and finish. Now new REX amps goin for $40k and are basically same 60w-75w amps with enhanced driver tubes and upgraded capacitors. The appeal of BAT to me was always the look and sound of the product. It seems with the introduction of REX the looks have changed slightly, the sound has improved relatively but the price has increased ASTRONOMICALY!!!?? Also, not seeing their products showcased at as many high end shows anymore?? Does anyone else feel the same??
wwchange
bigby
150 posts
 
They are matching market pricing from their competitors for high-end tube amps. Maybe someday they may fill in the gap between the VK-55SE and the REX. With the increase in prices over the past few years, you can't even afford the better used mono blocks that are going for $15k now.
hasmarto's avatar
hasmarto
192 posts
 
As far I know, BAT belongs to Music Direct. VK just works for them, and has nothing to do with their prices anymore.
wwchange OP
18 posts
 
I'm just glad I bought my BAT shit when I did! Otherwise I'd still be Listening to my old Pass Aleph 0's which didn't sound bad by the way... Pass has gone in the same direction with XS line of amps and pre's... $85k for a pair of mono blocks is a far cry from the Aleph 0 mono's for $8k back in the mid 90's. I guess it's all relative as gas was $1.10 a gallon back then too! Its what ever the current market will bare. I ain't mad at'um...
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,578 posts
 
WW-

agreed. I would like to get into the REX pre-amp. Trying to justify its cost. We (common folk) live in a world of millionaires which drives up the cost of everything. It is unprecedented how many millionaires are in the global market.

Are these guys buying this gear? Probably not.
Are the audio companies subscribing to this client? Yes.

Any one here own the REX pre-amp? If so, post your thoughts/impressions.
wwchange OP
18 posts
 
Jafant, I own the BAT VK40 solid state pre but I've heard everything up the line including the REX II and I'll be quite honest, the air is so thin at that level that it's hard to really hear a discernable difference....I mean if you really listen carefully to the same song repeatedly for hours on end and then switch preamps you may notice the slightest bit of additional warmth or bloom coming from the REX but it's something that you'd have to condition yourself too over countless hours of listening. It's not something your wife or girlfriend will notice by walking into the room and. Saying "wow! That sounds so much better! What did you do!!?" If yourlooking for that type of response, take that $20k and buy her a nice diamond!! IMHO , the difference doesnt justify the cost and I happen to be a die hard BAT fan. As always listen for yourself but I dont feel the means justify the ends...
Good luck!
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