Bat VK-51se vs. Atma-sphere MP-1 Mk II

I've had my BAT preamp for almost 4 years now and have never experienced a single glitch. I probably average about 4 hours of listening, everyday, and have yet to even replace any tubes.

As for sound quality, I thought it was a huge step up from my SF-1 Sig., and also bettered the AI M3A I auditoned on the same day, using the same gear (SF Power 2 and BAT CD player (D5-K or whatever the model designation is) feeding Meadowlark Shearwaters and VS VR-4). The AI unit was much warmer and offered that classic tube sound. The BAT was much better extended at the frequency extremes and had that boogie factor AI was completely missing. Both units were very musical so I guess this is where personal taste comes in.

As for Atma-Sphere, can't comment because I only heard it once and I was auditioning speakers so didn't pay as much attention to electronics.

Second BAT. I bought my VK-50SE in 2000, listen to it about 40 hours a week (it is on whenever I am home), completely trouble free, still original tubes.

Another vote for BAT - I have a VK-50SE - same type of experience regarding reliability - and - compares to the best pre-amps in the world sonically. And they say the VK-51SE is better still!!

I can only say good things about BAT. I have owned my VK50SE for just over two years without any trouble at all. Sonically it was a huge step up from my Krell pre and the guys at BAT will talk to you any time--great customer service. I am going to upgrade my unit to a 51SE as soon as I find a week when I won't be home--I hate to part with it!

From my experience, I would have to recommend the BAT for most amplifiers. The Atma-sphere's impedance is a bit problematic for quite a few amps. Both are very reliabe, and very different sounding. The Atma-sphere does not have a remote, the BAT does.