Sonofjim,
I have been trying several combinations. I've owned BAT for well over 10 years. 50SE/51SE, VK200, VK60, 75SE, 150SE's...
The things I keep coming back to is the Nagra PLL/VPA's and Ayre KXR/MXR.
The KXR is really a killer preamp. Silent. My BAT equipment is quiet. Ayre KXR is silent. There is a difference here. Allows resolution to pour out but mains a VERY natural presentation and tonal balance. The Ayre has a nicer top end than the BAT. The BAT better depth and better bloom in the mids.
The combo I seem to be falling in love with is the Nagra PLL and MXR's. The PLL is more dynamic, bigger wider deeper stage, more transparent than the BAT. The PLL also has a much more realistic top end than the 51se, to my ears anyway. The MXR's seem sweeter/natural/delicate on the top and ditto for the bass (vs the 150se's) except here I'll add more control and that "ease" everywhere.
I think the Nagra PLL has more body and depth in the mids, where the KXR is more silent and more resolute.
Honestly, BAT, Nagra, Ayre, it's all good. System matching, speaker placement, etc are all critical to getting just that right sound for you.
Richard Stacy: The Ayre amps are a great match. I never thought I'd be ready to swing to SS vs tubes. The Ayre's are that good...
Hope this helps !
