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 rilbr

rilbr
97 posts
 
I have owned and modified a BAT preamp. It started out as a VK-5, then 5I, then 5 SE. Then I modified the 5 SE.

I upgraded the coupling caps, the Vishay resistors to the newer Z foil, and replaced some of the power resistors with Shinkoa tantalum.

My replacement caps are fuller sounding oil types, bypassed with copper foil teflon caps. These were best out of many, almost every cap out there except for the V-cap, which I did not try (approx. $1000.00 for a set).

All the last mods together made about as much difference as going from a decent powercord to an excellent one.

The stock oil caps were so good, that I almost put them back in !

One point I am trying to make is that I don't see anything in the BAT preamp that would make it "dark or veiled sounding".

They are Stereophile Class A, and as they state in their Magazine: Class A sound can only be achieved with the right ancillary components.

I would definetly include cables, especially power in these "components".

This would of course apply to other excellent preamps like VAC, ARC, etc., and the other components.

This is system building, and system Synergy.

Good luck !!
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