I can't give direct comparisons to many of those you listed as prospects. I will say this... the VK200 & SURELY THE VK500 W/bp, WHICH i PRESENTLY OWN, IS AS SOLID AN AMP AS i HAVE FOUND. aS NEUTRAL TOO.
Every time I have made a switch in preamps, preamp tubes, etc. you are sure to know about it. it has enough power to reamin in control, enough reserve power to never seem to run out of gas. A balanced and harmonius mix of textured musical recreations. it's durable, beefy sound is compelling and satisfying. I found it to better the MC252 & 402, some Levinsons, and some tube amps that are highly touted. IMO. If they err anywhere it's on the side of warm musicality. there's not a bright bone in the 200 or 500's makeup. only poor upstream items will give you anyting less than good performance. They are more than a safe bet in creating a musical system.
The newer versions are from my understanding, closer to the neutrally dynamic range. Paying a call to BAT and speaking with Steve B. will help you I'm sure. One last thing about BAT... they tend to overbuild things, and stick quite close to the less is more train of thought. single gain stages, huge power resivoirs etc.
Be mindful of the setup when auditioning... and if possible do go hear a BAT at some point. Even if you don't though? buying a BAT amp is not a risky thing. I never heard either of the two BAT amps I bought... the pre or the power. I was quite pleased. having owned Krell previously.
