2. amps-preamps
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Need to replace a BAT VK200 amp with a smaller and lighter but with equal sound quality.

Need recommendations for a smaller and lighter amp to replace a BAT VK 200 amp which is  very good . The BAT is 100 RMS, and weighs close to 70 lbs, It has become unmanageable to move or clean in a component rack.  New amp must be at least equivalent or better in sound quality. 

For the record, the pre-amp is a Conrad Johnson PV-14L SE

Thank you,

S.J.

sunnyjim
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Surely the, Schitt amp is an unbelievable bargain at $699.

Yes it’s a no brainer for the price, and because it uses BJT’s as output devices, it wouldn’t surprise me "if" it keeps up the current into hard loads that the Benchmark can, they seem to be equal on wattage into 8ohm 100w for both and 4ohm 200w for Vidar and 190w for AHB2.
Be interesting to see a 2ohm wattage to see if which can do closer to 400w. 

All Schiit products are exceptional value for money, as all the expense in circuit design and quality is inside where it counts, and the outside is well utilitarian to save on costs.No wasted money on expensive glitz and glamour on the outside.

Cheers George
mesch
3,411 posts
 
S.J., If you are considering a 60" table, why wouldn't your rack and an amp stand not fit side by side within this constraint? The amp on a stand would be lower to the floor, thus having less impact on the soundstage.

Have your considered Odyssey amps?
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

To  Meschi, Good suggestion about the amp stand siting side by side to the rack, but it would be a tight  fit in  proximity to the back of the speakers, either left or right. The problem again would be access to the back of the amp, and also the torque of the speaker cable in such a tight space would loosen the speaker connectors. The connectors on GET 7's speakers are crap in many ways.  However, your suggestion is worth considering

I have considered the smaller Odyssey amp that is 130RMS, but never thought it to be the equal of the BAT amp. But for convenience  sake it might be worth  another look. Though, the Schitt amp that is $699 is intriguing 


To George HiFi5:  Thanks for the follow up info.

 

jackd
1,041 posts
 
Look for a used Odyssey amp and then you can give it a try with little to no exposure to loss if you don't like it.  
dep14
333 posts
 
Tough one, that BAT punches WAY above it's price (I won't say weight as it's 70 lbs).

Excellent bass, not too harsh, etc.  Not that they are cheap, but used that is better than a "poor mans" pass labs sound quality.

Might look at the BelCanto 600 series.  Not quite the same sound, but not harsh and very nice bass response.
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