Amplifier Experience Gryphon Pass Lamm BAT

Thank you Azjake, could you go into a little more detail of Pass Labs XA compared to Antileon Signature? I have read good things about both but pretty much no direct comparisons. I thought the Pass XA series has also been around for quite some time and the .5 version is just a minor improvement over previous XA amps?

Beerdraft - thanks for your comment too. Yur system looks great by the way! I am in Europe so the offer in used BAT models is far more limited than what I can see here on Audiogon for the US. Do you have experience comparing BAT to PASS, Gryphon or Lamm?

Given the comparison of older vs. newer class A designs one more brand I would like to add to my own list is Karan Acoustics, i.e. KA-L + KA-PAS450 as a dealer carries these. Nevertheless they would be the most expensive and I am a bit sceptical of the brand as they do not nearly have the track record of any of the above.

Those are all great choices. You can just pick one out of a hat.

I am using the Pass XA200.5, BAT Rex, Tripoint Troy, and Jade Audio Cables. This is a very synergistic combination that combines the strengths of solid state and tubes, without the downsides of either. I mention all components because the sum truly exceeds the parts.

Do you have a favorable exchange rate for American goods? It seems like now is the time for many people in Europe to buy American.

Hamburgcity I have not heard Gryphon but with the others you mentioned they must be very good as Bat, Pass, and Lamm are all home-run hitters. I just prefer the quick, natural dynamics and speed of bat. As Rtn1 mentioned I think several U.S. manufacturers are selling at great value new overseas now including BAT from what someone else had told me. Might look to buy new over there, may can get a decent deal from dealer and warranty. Also, at-least with the bat, buy new what you can afford but buy pieces that are upgradeable. Bat has a new VK255SE that is wonderful. I think it has some of the same caps the REX has and is the main difference in the VK250se. This in mono would be great with the 52se and the 52 is able to upgrade to rex.

They are most likely going to do the same type stuff with the Vk600 and wind up with a 650 or 700 similar to the Vk255se. Also of note on upgrade path, with the way Bat does there circuits and the ability to go from stereo to mono and even four of there stereo/mono amps and have them working as one. In other words I could get two more Vk600m-se and not by-amp but have double the current and half the impedance output as I understand it, 1200 watts if I did that.

Thanks Rtn1 and Beerdraft.

With regards to exchange rate you are right. The USD is such that american products were never cheaper BUT and that is a big BUT most European Distributors dont pass on the weak exchange rate at all. As a matter of fact i have seen enough example where the European or UK price are the same or more than in USD but in EUR or GBP instead. The excuses are usually weak but hell Audio distributors and retailers do not seem to bother if they loose business over here!

Most US products are only good value in Europe if bought 2nd hand or as ex-demo. I honestly wish guys i could take advantage of some of thouse Audiogon deals here but thanks to different voltages and the size and wieghts of speakers/amplifiers that is not going to happen easily!

That said Rtn1 BAT Rex and Pass XA200.5 is most impressive! BAT Rex uses tubes, is that correct?
I see you used Karan Acoustics too, how do they compare to Pass XA? You sold the Karan so that says something I guess!

BAT is interesting and price wise more attractive than the others. I wish I could compare them directly. All that upgrade schemes I find cofunsing though at best....