Just to add my 2 cents. I have owned a VK500 for a year and a half now. I drive it direct with a Theta Miles CDP. It made a huge improvement over my previous SS amp (Forte 100c.) Great bass extension. Very clean midrange and great detail. I drive Vandersteen's (at risk of being warm and mellow speakers) and I certainly don't find it "dark". It's a very well designed amp that is built like a tank. BAT seems to understand just how these MOSFETS like to be juiced and the result is pure music. It performs well at low volumes and "concert" levels.
It does throw of a fair amount of heat so a well ventilated room is a plus. On the used market these amps are a steal under $2500. Wish I could be more helpful with a comparison to Classe but I just haven't listened to enough of their amps.
I would listen to Pass and Plinius as well.
-Karl
It does throw of a fair amount of heat so a well ventilated room is a plus. On the used market these amps are a steal under $2500. Wish I could be more helpful with a comparison to Classe but I just haven't listened to enough of their amps.
I would listen to Pass and Plinius as well.
-Karl