preamp/amp for ML Aerius i?


I own ML Aerius i. W/a DC-1,3bst,and transparent cables thru out. Sounds good, but want more. I've auditioned them w/AR-26 and AR amp, also AR26 w/Classe 200. Plinuis 100 and bat 3i. Sunfire amp and Meridian pre. Very boring.. The best I've heard was bat 3i/vk200, my foot is finally tapping and I am excited again, good detail and control. I heard the bat vk30/moon w-5 was a good combo. Any suggestions out there would be great. If you don't own ML speakers then don't slam them. I'm just looking for some HONEST help here.
pcc
I'm currently using a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 with a Conrad Johnson MF2200 amp driving ML Aerius. Sounds very musical but the toes are tapping. Also have Kinergetics SW800 mini subs.
I am using a Forte Model 4 amp and Forte Model 44 preamp with very good results. Both are not produced anymore but can be found used on Ebay & Audiogon.
I guess I may not have asked all my questions. Have any of you ML owners auditioned the Bat 3i/vk200 in your system. And if so how does it compare to what you own now? I have listened to the Bat combo and should I say Wow, compared to what I own and have tried(See above). Still would like to try the sim stuff. But so far it looks like bat. The bat was night and day over my dc1/3bst and the equip I listed above. My wife agreed and that's hard to get her to okay spending the $$$$. Just want to be sure I guess. If you don't think Aerius i has bass, try it with the bat combo, the bass is extremely controlled and truely goes right thru you, it almost hurts ya. So that's all I have, and feel free to keep the info coming. PCC
Well, it sounds like you've already made up your mind. I ran a similar thread asking for inputs on tube pre's to match to my SL-3's. The three most reccommended were the BAT, Sonic Frontiers Line 1, and Conrad-Johnson. After reading several opinions I discovered that the "tube warmth" I was searching for would be minimal in the well balanced BAT and SF. I'm not sure if that helps you or not. Check for the thread under BAT 3i. I have to disagree with you about your verdict on the bass response of the aerius. That is why I opted for the SL-3's. Still they share similar greatness in the mid's and highs. Good luck.
Try a good warm sounding tube amp something like Music Reference. I have both the Aerius i and the CLS and they both sound extremely good with the Music Reference. I really haven'heard them with the amps you state to give you a comparision