Are BAT amps kind to less-than-stellar recordings?


This was briefly mentioned in someone else’s thread, but I wanted to draw out people who are familiar with Balanced Audio Technology’s solid state amps to get their 2 cents. I’m most interested in the VK-3000 SE integrated.

I love great recordings as much as the next guy and have plenty of jazz, female vocal, and classical in the collection. My music taste runs the gamut though, and I also love a lot of music that isn’t recorded well. Punk, metal, lo-fi indie, early blues, 60s psychedelia, etc.

Do you think the VK-3000 SE will be forgiving to these genres? I want things to stay relatively smooth, non fatiguing, and not be clobbered over the head with etched detail. Minimal glare, grain, and shoutiness - especially on the top end.

Alternatively (if BAT is too high-brow for low-brow music) I could go for something such as the (cheaper) Belles Aria, Yamaha A-S2100, or LFD LE IV. Those integrated amps are known to have a somewhat "tubey" sound for solid state, that might help round out poorly recorded music?
skystudios

Showing 1 response by jafant

skystudios

The B.A.T. VK-3000se is on my demo list as well. I concur with czarivey in that you may want to consider an integrated amp with tone controls. The Yamaha fits the bill.  Keep us posted on which way you go.

Happy Listening!