BAT solid state or tube?



I've got a BAT VK-500, and am considering switching to a VK-60, -75 or -75se.

I have no chance to listen to a BAT tubed amp. I've read the posts but don't recall seeing much in the way of comparison of BAT's solid state amps to their tubed ones.

I'd appreciate any comparisons based on your experience.

PS, other equipment is BAT VK-D5se and VK-5i, Piega P-10 ribbon hybrid speakers (with sub).
akaddict
Sorry for confusion, I prefered the 60 but switched because I wanted to use Magnepans and thought I needed some more grunt. I also have a new baby and was afraid of him grabbing a hot tube, the amp almost has to be on the ground due to size and weight, and those tubes are so enticing when they glow. I don't know the Piega's but if possible try the 60, I think it's great and I see another in my future.
Have both the VK-75Se and an VK-250Bp for some time.
It all boils down to the old SS versus Tubes.
the 250 has a bit better slam and boldness, the 75Se is clearly more airy, natural, and has a very fine human touch.
mind you the 75Se can drive (almost) any speaker since it has 2 Ohm tap for convinience.
It drives my Gen 501 allright though this speaker has 1,7 Ohm load at around 500 Hertz..

If you look for nice tubey sounding amp don't look at BAT.

if you want it nicer than it actually is buy CJ ARC or Jadis.
BAT tube amps is not about making nice euphonic sounds.
you better have your cables and gear right.
Then my friend you not need to look anywhere else save the concert tickets..
Tuboo, I have a VK-250 and love it. I was considering switching to the vk75se for the reasons you mentioned. How would you compare the frequency extremes? Also, in terms of heat how do they compare. My 250 can get pretty warm just even at idle.

Thanks.
Rello, the VK-250 does get fairly hot, but not like the older PASS amps.. the VK-75Se does not get hot like others mention here. if you find your 75SE really too hot to handle you never have put your head above a AtmaSphere OTL.
now that is a lot of heat.

Comparison. 250BP versus VK-75SE.
if you want the last word in control, and other parameters care much less, you should go for the 250BP.
if you are willing to let go of the very last word on authority you will find a very musical partner in the 75SE.
does that mean i find the 75SE better ?
yes i do.
save the most humongous speaker systems out there which come to life only by megawatts, i think any realworld speaker will be driven with great authority by the 75SE.

still need more power ? buy a second 75SE example.

Rello i can heartidly recommend the 75SE.
you will not be disappointed.
take care in choosing very good AC cords, and cables.
i use NBS Omega Zero on all BAT.
signal cables are pure Silver Kondo KSL.
the difference and gain with the right cables is not subtle.

OH mind you i found the 'burn-in' time with my BAT's ( i have all BAT gear)longer than expected.
it needs months of hard playing to really shine.

regards tuboo