BAT VK500

BAT: good gear (I own a preamp), but pricey, and warranty is not transferrable to second-hand owners.

Hi Captain, I'm happy to hear that you loved the amp!!! I said those same words to myself when I got my BAT VK60's and after almost 3 years I feel the same. Happy listening, Tom

WELL, I FINALLY FOUND THE TIME TO DO SOME SERIOUS LISTENING TO THE BAT.AFTER THE NEEDLE HIT THE GROOVE IT WAS REAL HARD TO LEAVE MY SEAT,EXCEPT TO TURN OVER THE RECORD.I JUST KEPT PLAYING ALBUM AFTER ALBUM,EVERY SONG!!I LOST TRACK OF TIME.MY OPINION YOU ASK?? WOW,AWESOME,HOLY S---.AWESOME,WOW,WOW,WOW,HOLY,HOLY,HOLY,S---.I QUESS THAT ABOUT COVERS IT.

Captain- As far as consumer service goes, they get my vote. I was considering buying a used VK3i pre (thru A-gon of course) and sent them an email regarding unit features (indicating a was looking at a used purchase). Got back a response within hours from head honcho Viktor. BTW, bought it and love it.

Hi Captain, I was just was wondering what your take was on the VK500? A little over 2 years ago when I auditioned amps both tube an solid-state for my system the VK500bat-bak and the Pass Alpha 2 was my favorites out of the s/s amps that I heard. But the Bat mono VK60's is what really had the magic for me. If you get a chance let us know what your thoughts are. Thanks, Tom

I use an all bat system on first floor system. 500/wbatpak, 5i and vkd5s. I agree the power cords need upgrading, I use nbs monitor 1's. Expensive but improvements can be heard. I suggest borrowing some and sitching back to stock to see if you hear a difference. I never had a problem. The sound is neutral and detailed. I can't find any flaws. I wish I had a pass 350 for abing. It still isn't tubes but has a natural sound comapred to other solid state gear I have heard. For the price you can't go wrong I don't believe.

Well, I've got to chip in my thumbs up for the BAT. Mine has the previously mentioned BAT/PAK. All the headroom you'll ever need, very transparent, and powerful bass. I've heard slightly better depth to the soundstage from the Pass Labs Aleph line of amps, but the BAT's other strengths tip the scale in its favor. BTW, BAT may be a relative newcomer, but they've earned a reputation for excellent build quality and customer service. Good luck.

Gotta agree...I've had my VK500 for over a year now. It's been flawless and a real pleasure to listen to. If you decide to purchase it, note that upgrading your power cords makes a dramatic improvement! Enjoy...

I think you will love the VK 500 Great Amp

Happy Thanksgiving Captain, The input impedance is 100ohm for each phase. Input signal for maximum output power is 2.0 volts. Power rating is 250 watts at 8 ohms and 450 into 4 ohms. You should find out if the amp has the batpak. The batpak increases the energy storage. ( joules ) Without the batpak the amp has 350 joules of energy storage and with it it has 1100 joules! They do offer an upgrade for the batpak if it doesn't have it. By the way BAT is a great company and the people are very nice. If you have anymore questions call Steve, Victor or Geoff at 1-(800) 255-4228. Hope you like the amp. All the best, Tom