BAT Preamps, why such polarized opposite opinions?

Audiosoul, a dividend of modding is to extend the life of a component in one's system--sometimes for a very long time. Any reduction in long-term resale value should be netted against the repeated depreciation hits that would have otherwise resulted from trading up through successive generations of new or used equipment.

Also, a coupling cap swap is probably the simplest and most easily reversed of mods, and V-Cap TFTF has been generally embraced as the gold standard of coupling caps. I doubt they reduce resale value. In any case the old oilers can be easily reinstalled at resale time.

Of course without the fickleness of the majority seeking constant churn in their systems, there would be less income for the industry and fewer opinions in the forums.

Take a look at the RMAF thread. Of the 11 posts 4 or 5 thought the BAT/Wilson room sounded excellent. I drive a pair of Soundlabs with VK 55's and I don't find that combination thick, slow or veiled. My recommendation is to buy a preamp and if you don't like it sell. Have you heard the metaphor about opinions?

hi joman:

you corroborate the point of this thread with your comment about the rmaf. if 5 voiced there opinion in one direction, the other 6 had a different opinion.

with respect to any component there will always be differences of opinion. what else is new ?

the bat products are not unique in this respect.

It won't help much if you listen to the BAT at the dealer's place UNLESS the equipment, speakers, room geometry, acoustics etc. are similiar, and I think you must have known that by now. Some advice of taking a trip to the dealer's place for an audition is not the best solution. Getting that piece into your system in your own room is the best solution. You have to figure it out yourself on how to achieve that though.

I am in the same agreement as Audphile1 and Dpac996 in getting whichever preamp you fancy into your system and listen to it for yourself. You can sell it if it doesn't suit you. Some opinions can still serve their purpose and steer you into the right direction but listening preferences can be so varied and subjective that you might want to trust your own ears.

Having said that, I too have relied on opinions in the forums here like everybody else. And just to let you know, prior to getting my ARC LS-16 preamp, the BAT was also on my list until I read about them being warm in comparison with ARC. I do not like warm so the BAT was left out.

I've owned 9 pieces of BAT gear, though I only currently own one. I have also had two other BAT units in my home for extended audition. During the last several years I have heard others tell me that BAT is too dark, too boomy, too veiled, too bright, too tizzy, etc. etc.

How can it be too dark and too bright? Different tastes. Those that like speed gear like ARC, VAC, find the BAT heavy and slow. Those that like warm gear like CJ and Cary, find the BAT to be hard, glassy or bright.

The point is you will only know if you listen for yourself, because others systems and tastes are not the same as yours. I found an all BAT system can be too heavy and a bit too dark for me. I've also found that a system w/o any BAT components can sound a bit lightweight or thin.
At this moment, I'm enjoying the combination of ARC preamp and BAT amp. Lil' bit o' resolution, li' bit o' body.
Sure, changing power cords and cables can help balance things out a bit too.

The bottom line is that you can listen to everyone tell you how they think it sounds, or you can decide for yourself.

Cheers,
John