2. amps-preamps
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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 1 response by cmo

cmo
471 posts
 
My freinds and I recently had a comparison listen to a few preamps at my place. One of the units was a BAT 52se. The thing was built like a tank and looked great. Some of the other preamps were the ARC Ref3 and my Aesthetix Callisto sig.

The BAT was the warmest and I guess you could say most colored. It didn't have the resolving power of the other two and seemed a bit lacking at either frequency extreem.... Sounds like I didn't like it right? Wrong. It was sweet sounding and very enjoyable to my ears. I would have picked it after my Aesthetix for my tastes (and no, the Aesthix is not real warm sounding- probably the most neutral of the preamps I have listened to recently). I kinda hate the reviewer terms, but I would have to call it "musical".

Hope this helps,

Chris
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