BAT VK 75SE vs 150SE's or maybe a VK600SE?

If these amplifiers truly sound EXACTLY the same, what is the benefit of the 150SE's? They cost more, there's the issue of tube replacement/maintenance, they have far less dynamic headroom, etc. I have to believe there are some differences in ambience, decays and portrayal of space here.

Owner of BAT 75SE. Even though never heard the solid state BAT gears, but I am willing to bet my whole system I can tell them apart, 10 out of 10 times, between 150SE and 600SE.

Jafox's statement is dead on, what's the point of making 150SE if 600SE does the job for less?

Well, the 150SE doesn't really do the job for less, in fact it's quite the opposite. The 150SE's are the mono version of the VK-75SE's. The VK-600M SE are the mono version of the VK-600SE. The VK-150 SE sell for $15K, the VK-600M SE sell for $23K. So I think BAT is actually comparing the sound of the VK-75SE ($8500) to the VK-600SE ( $11,500). The stereo version just falls more in line with the power output of the 150SE's.

Does this make sense?

John

John - I understand the hierarchy and costs of the varying tube vs. ss, and stereo vs. mono amps here, but this does not address my initial point and that of Semi: if the VK-600SE (2-channel version) sells less than the pair of 150SE's, and if there is no sonic difference between these models, then what is the benefit of the mono 150SE's? Why does anyone want to pay $4k more for a less powerful and higher maintenance pair of tube amps? The VK-600MSE (mono amps) are not at all relevant to the discussion at this point.

You stated that RH in TAS reported, "they claim that the VK-600SE and the VK-150SE's sonic signature are identical". Does this imply that there is no benefit from tubes AND there is also no benefit from mono amps? This is a mighty tough claim to believe.

I wish the comparison had been between the 75SE vs. the 600SE OR perhaps the 150SE vs. the 600MSE. This at least reduces the change to simply tube vs. ss and of course the benefits of the higher power provided by the ss.

John

A valid comparison would be the 75SE vs. the 600SE, OR the 150SE's vs. 600M SE's, on speakers which do not favor the more powerful SS amps over the lesser powered tube amps. (An inefficient speaker that often dips down to 4 ohms or less would favor the more powerful SS amps especially playing loud rock or orchestral music). Given a level playing field, I would guess that a difference could be heard. You pick your favorite flavor.