BAT, ARC or Ayre for my Genesis 500's?


I have had these speakers for more than 10 years and still love them (though I would love to hear some other full range speakers with ribbon tweeters, like Dali, but no dealer anywhere near me). My best sound from them was with an Audio Research VT100 Mk III. At the time I used a BAT VK30SE preamp also. In my past I had an Ayre V100 with Vienna Acoustics Beethovens, and that was also a sound I loved. I currently use an Electrocompanient integrated with my Genesis 500 while I decide what to do next. I love tubes with these speakers. Should I try a BAT tubed amp, a newer generation ARC amp, or a newer Ayre for what I felt was a very tube like warmth with the Beethovens? Not sure whether to look for a used ARC VT100 or try one of the newer tube amps from ARC. Or go with a BAT amp? I've only heard their preamps, never their amps. Any insights or recommendations for me? If I go with current models I will try to find a local dealer, but will use this site for older used gear.
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Showing 1 response by ngjockey

They say that since the bass amp relieves the main amp of those duties that selecting an amp is easier. I found the opposite with my 350's and needed a strong amp just to keep up to the bass without a "hole" in the midbass. A Plinius SA-100 served well. The 500 is even tougher, with a fairly low impedance dip.

For tubes, consider VTL MB300/450's or Manley Neo's. Used to do a lot of shows together.