2. amps-preamps
  3. 1191384860

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

Showing 4 responses by audiosoul

audiosoul OP
16 posts
 
Appreciate the responses so far. Yes, buying and selling if not to my liking is an option, but it unfortunately seems the economy has effected the audio market as well. I see lots of things that don't sell that I saw sell before.

I've looked through notes I have written down on comments about BAT preamps, and the negative ones are what bother me, especially those saying Dark, closed down, not open, airless, lack of treble sparkle and extension, emphasizes the bass, chesty coloration in voices and midrange. That's why I'm looking for more experiences with these units.

Forget the reviews and reviewers. They have their own agenda, so I don't really care what they have said.
audiosoul OP
16 posts
 
Glai, how can the treble be "closed in" but "really open up" with the right power cord? If the treble is indeed closed in or hooded or airless or dull as some say, I don't think any power cord is going to eliminate it.
audiosoul OP
16 posts
 
Thick, slow, veiled -- YUCH!

Your description of BAT's sound mirrors what a number of others think as well.

With no disrespect intended, I have to question those posters who find none of this to be the case. I cannot believe that so many find BAT to be thick, slow, veiled, airless, and that they are all wrong! They can't all have the same equipment giving BAT this sound. It has to be characteristic of BAT's sound. There is no other logical answer.
audiosoul OP
16 posts
 
Audphile 1 said, "you doubt the group of people who offered their opinion that contradicted with what you READ in the forums." Well, so what? There are others here who don't agree with your group.

Elberoth1 has a very expensive and sophisticated system, so I give credence to his opinion. He sold his VK51SE. I respect others' opinions too. Just trying to sort it out.

Flying to a BAT dealer to audition? I don't think so. Besides, I've auditioned components at dealers where they sounded dreadful, and the component was a good sounding component. Many dealers don't know good sound, unfortunately.

Perhaps those posters who think the oil caps are the culprits are correct. I know there were some who didn't like the Jensen oil caps used by Cary and preferred the non-oil (I believe it was Hovland) caps. Those caps are BAT's thing, though, and I certainly wouldn't buy a preamp and change out the caps, reducing its resaleability in half.
More to discover