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BAT Preamps, why such polarized opposite opinions?

I've never heard a BAT preamp. But I've heard enough about them on this and other sites. What is it about their sonics that people either tend to really like or really dislike them?

I've heard criticisms that they lack air, treble openness, life. I've been told the VK32SE is too dark, too weighted to the bottom, no air or delicacy on top.

I've heard these polarized opinions from audio salesmen as well, some who carried (carry) BAT. Let's just say I made alot of long distance calls to get a broad opinion.

But others love their sound and think they are fabulous.

I know what you're going to tell me - go listen to them yourself. Well, I live rural and it isn't easy to do.

So, instead, I'd like to get opinions across the spectrum from the Audiogon guys.

I'm using a Audio Research 100.2 with Dali Helicon 400's. I've tried Rogue, ARC, Sonic Frontiers, but haven't found the right preamp yet.
audiosoul
saki70
907 posts
 
Art80342;

You have brought up a point that has made me wonder for some time now .

BAT makes great tube preamps , tube amps and SS amps .
So why , when they decided to design an integrated amp , did they decide to go the hybrid route and use the tube pre section coupled to a SS amp section ?

Just one of those things that make me go 'hmmm' !

Happy tunes .
trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Hello,

I would imagine they made an integrated because BAT felt there was/is a market for it. If I'm not mistaken I think it's one of BAT's most (if not the most) successful selling components.

Best,
Tom
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Tom,

I don't think that Saki70 is asking why BAT made an integrated amp, but why they choose to use tube pre/ SS amp design, as opposed to say a full SS or full tube design. Many American designers, such as Cary, VAC, McIntosh, ARC, etc, as well as many foriegn designers have designed full tube integrated amps, pre and amp sections.

I'm also curious as to why BAT hasn't taken a swing at this market, especially considering how successful their VK-300x is. My guess would be that maybe their tube amps run too hot to share a chassis with a preamp section.

Cheers,
John
trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Hi John,

Thanks John, you're right. I didn't read Saki70's post thoroughly.

Again, my guess would be one of all marketing decisions. I think BAT wanted the 300x to be able to drive a large majority of speakers available today. For their target market ... I would think BAT wanted it to come in at a certain price, size/weight, as you pointed out, not to generate too much heat, and to achieve a certain level of sonic performance.
I guess BAT felt the design they came up with was the best way for them to accomplish their sonic and marketing goals.

Happy holidays,
Tom
art80342
65 posts
 
Maybe worthwhile to know that BAT actually had - via their integrated amp catered for 3 markets:

1. the solid state mkt - vk 300
2. the tube hybrid mkt - vk 300x
3. the super-tube mkt - vk 300xse (not my cup of tea)

hence its already catering to the INTEGRATED MKT via 3 different integrated models :)

my personal opinion is that the vk300x(which i own) is fun to listen to. it has the best of SS/tube in one EXCEPT its not holographic enough...other than that, it is so so so so ...nice..... :)
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