What is the 'BAT sound'?

Na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na Batman!!

Maybe just maybe you're really asking about a Balanced Audo Tech preamp? vs the flying lil rodent?

If so, it's usually associated with a robust, deeply engaging midrange. Still great highs and lows, but this robust midrange is a character rarely heard in other brands.

I used to own a BAT pre and amps. My opinion, in this particular area, they are state of the art.

Hope this helps...it's worth a listen, great stuff !

cha-ching!!!

I don't BAT pre's have a particular "tubey" sound like the older ARC's but have a wonderful engaging midrange. The newer ARC's have a less tubey sound but have not heard any. A buddy of mine has a LS16MKII which I want to hear soon but he says its not "that" tubey. I had an older LS7 in my system a few years ago and didn't care for it at all. Have not heard the VTL but almost bought.

The best way to describe the sound of my (former, sniff) 300X-SE is "open, neutral, unimpeded".

I think this is due to the no-feedback design.

Other equipment I've owned seemed to be holding back the music -"maybe if I just turn it up a little more...".

Honestly, the BAT just gives you the music -period.

It inspires confidence that you are hearing everything that is on the disk.