BATVK500 in Plinius league?

I have not heard either the Plinius or the BAT 500, but I have just recently purchased a VK-200. I would like to say it is the most realistic, musical, tube-like SS amplifier I have ever heard, including Krell, Aragon, Levinson, Proceed, ARC, Bryston, Clayton. It is very naturally balanced, without that ear-ringing, in-your-face highs and bloated, pounding bass so many SS designs put forth. Everything is there, including spacious, smooth, realistic midrange and tons of detail. If you want to hear something close to real music (I attend many concerts), try the BAT. They are selling at ridiculously low prices simply because they are currently not "the" hot topic amplifier. Mores the pity for audio in general, but lucky for us.

Madisonears, Which Clayton(s) have you listened to that you are comparing to? Thanks, John

I think you would have to listen for yourself. I have a Plinius SA-100 MK III and, although I think it does produce class A sound and I like it very much, it is not perfect in every way. They do have a smooth midrange, slightly tipped towards emphasis in the upper mids, a beautiful lower midrange, an outrageously powerful midbass but not a lot of bass extension below that range. High frequencies may be slightly rolled off. One thing is the sound is extremely dynamic and absolutely clean, but not as completely neutral as some of the great amps around today, like Pass Aleph 4. I wouldn't call it "colored", but in comparison ..., you will see. Also not the last word in detail. I still think it should be way ahead of your Classe and less bright, although I don't think I have heard that model. I don't remember which BAT I heard. It was either a BAT VK-50 or VK-500 with BAT VK-5 and B&W Nautilus 802 and the sound was lifeless to my ears. The Plinius is not lifeless. So check it out yourself and let us know! How much were yoiu looking to pay? I don't see used Plinius SA-100's going for more than $2500-$2600.

You need to audition the Plinius SA250_mkIV. It delivers the current your Apogee's demand. While the BAT Power amp products are fine, to my ear they are not quite as musical and do not take control of a speaker like the Plinius Amp when run in class A.

Thanks for the replies Guys. Unfortunately I can't audition as the amps are a looooong way away! (No dealers locally) The Plinius SA250 Mk4 is twice the price of the BAT VK500 (twice as good?!) or I could get a SA250 Mk3 for 40% more than the BAT VK500 (40% better than the BAT!!??) What do ya think? Is the BAT likely to be far superior than my Classe DR9, which was well regarded in its day? One other option is a Classe CA400, for about the same dollars as the BAT.

I would consider the Plinius to be a big step over any Classe which I have heard as well as the BAT. However, I cannot tell you whether the cost difference between the amps is worth it to you. It would be worth it to me, however.

I also wouldn't rule out a Pass Aleph 4. There seems to be a used one available on Audiogon right now for $2900.00! These listed for about $7000.00 only a little while ago. The Aleph 4 is not as dynamic, nor does it have the bass slam of the Plinius.Since I have both the Aleph 4 and the Plinius SA-100, I can say that the Aleph 4 beats the Plinius in low and high frequency extension, detail,soundstage and neutrality. That is not to say the Plinius isn't a fine amp. It is. But it's not in the Aleph 4's class. I can't say how much the Plinius SA-250 follows in the footsteps of the SA-100, because I am not all that familiar with the SA-250. But anyway, $2900 for an Aleph 4 seems like a way to have your cake and eat it too.

I also wouldn't rule out a Pass Aleph 4. There seems to be a used one available on Audiogon right now for $2900.00! These listed for about $7000.00 only a little while ago. The Aleph 4 is not as dynamic, nor does it have the bass slam of the Plinius.Since I have both the Aleph 4 and the Plinius SA-100, I can say that the Aleph 4 beats the Plinius in low and high frequency extension, detail,soundstage and neutrality. That is not to say the Plinius isn't a fine amp. It is. But it's not in the Aleph 4's class. I can't say how much the Plinius SA-250 follows in the footsteps of the SA-100, because I am not all that familiar with the SA-250. But anyway, $2900 for an Aleph 4 seems like a way to have your cake and eat it too.