BAT vk-31se or Mcintosh c2200

With a McIntosh amp, I would go with a McIntosh preamp. The C2200 is simply awesome in every way. I have only compared it to the BAT VK40 and the C2200 was much smoother with the same detail present. However I agree this isn't a fair comparison since the VK40 is SS.

the BAT is truly balanced, which the Mac isn't, if this is a factor.

i have the 31SE, and it is better than the 50SE i auditioned in my room the month before.

I have both McIntosh C2200 and the BAT VK-31SE in my system for a few days. My power amp is also the McIntosh MC352. I like the C2200 better. It does everything right from top to bottom. The VK-31SE has a slighty nicer mid but its bass has less definition than the C2200 and its high is a little roll off compares to the C2200. I have heard the BAT VK-31SE with a BAT solid state power amp and it sounded great without the negative that I mentioned. I don't think the BAT pre matches well with the McIntosh power amp. McIntosh amp has an much lower input impedance than the BAT SS amps!