2. amps-preamps
  3. 1255656385

BAT VK-300x

I'm interested in this amp, which seems to enjoy the reputation of a top-of-the-line integrated, but I don't have a place to audition one nearby. There are a couple of reviews, but they weren't terribly in depth as far as I'm concerned and discussion on this forum seems a bit sparse and inconclusive, especially compared to talk about some of its rivals, like the McIntosh MA2275 or 6900. I'm wondering whether somebody might be willing to wax poetic on the sound of these BAT integrateds - the differences in sound between the solid-state, 6922 and SE versions? A comparison with Mcintosh solid-state and/or tubes would be helpful, for example, as I'm familiar with those. Also familiar with Ayre, Naim, Audio Research, Linn, SETs... looking for an idea of where the BAT integrateds fit in soundwise.
Thanks in advance!
coverto
keithr
1,306 posts
 
fantastic integrated---perhaps best in class, even today. i have heard both BAT and Blue Circle---i would say the BAT has more "gusto" and a slightly more liquid midrange. however, i have not heard the Ffth, only the NSCS.
coverto OP
44 posts
 
Hey Renjy - thanks for the response - I have indeed heard the Luxman L509u and agree it sounds fantastic - unfortunately, with its price tag, the choice is not mine! I was not as impressed by the 505, although I did like it. If you're saying it sounds better than the BAT at that price, that's great to know.

Thanks Keith - again, very helpful - which BAT did you hear? One of the tubed versions, I'm guessing?
paulyh
8 posts
 
Hi Coverto,

Was the 505u you heard played in enough before you heard it? I own one myself, and after 200 hours of playing it sounded superb to me. I have not heard the 509u though, but I can compare with a accuphase 408. Especially the bass control is the best I ever heard.
keithr
1,306 posts
 
300XSE is the one i have owned.
coverto OP
44 posts
 
Pauly - my apologies for the sluggish response. The 505u I heard was a demo that I understand was well broken in, and it was indeed a great sounding amp. But there was no doubt that the 550 and the 509 were superior, with the 509 being one of the best integrateds I've heard.

Keith - from what I've read, it seems that the more recent Blue Circle integrateds are quite a few steps ahead of the NSCS, so that still leaves me wondering, but still it's great info to have - thanks.
More to discover