BAT vs. Mcintosh?

Theo-

Listened to the 501's and BAT at Audio Unlimited based upon your post above, and noticed pretty much the same differences you did. In fairness to Mac, however, I will point out that the BAT I listened to was not merely the VK-600, but the VK-600SE, which retails for $11,300, considerably more than the 501's. The BAT SE had the BAT-PAK and SUPERPAK built in - the sound was pretty amazing.

Do you recall if you heard the 600 or 600SE?

Thanks

Theo, et al

I was torn between BAT and Mac as above, but heard the McCormack DNA-500 and now own it. Lots of power and current, but also great presentation - open, detailed with excellent control of the bass - more similar to BAT than Mac, but less $$$ than either. Also runs cooler than the BAT and will actually fit into a rack. Finally hearing what my Legacy Whispers can do.

Heard BAT and Mac solid state, as mentioned above, and liked the BAT better. Then I heard the McCormack fully balanced DNA-500 and that's what I purchased. IMHO it has the best characteristics of both at a better value than either. Was a little leery given all the glowing reports, but in my system, it works great and throws less heat than the Big BAT. Current output is actually similar to the BAT and wattage is higher (500w/900w into 4 ohms), which my Whisper speakers crave. They have come alive!! Now the Preamp/tuner search begins......... (it just never ends, does it?)