2. amps-preamps
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BAT, ARC or Ayre for my Genesis 500's?

I have had these speakers for more than 10 years and still love them (though I would love to hear some other full range speakers with ribbon tweeters, like Dali, but no dealer anywhere near me). My best sound from them was with an Audio Research VT100 Mk III. At the time I used a BAT VK30SE preamp also. In my past I had an Ayre V100 with Vienna Acoustics Beethovens, and that was also a sound I loved. I currently use an Electrocompanient integrated with my Genesis 500 while I decide what to do next. I love tubes with these speakers. Should I try a BAT tubed amp, a newer generation ARC amp, or a newer Ayre for what I felt was a very tube like warmth with the Beethovens? Not sure whether to look for a used ARC VT100 or try one of the newer tube amps from ARC. Or go with a BAT amp? I've only heard their preamps, never their amps. Any insights or recommendations for me? If I go with current models I will try to find a local dealer, but will use this site for older used gear.
sc53
driver's avatar
driver
750 posts
 
Was this the same Ayre V-3 I bought from you back in 2001? If you stick with Ayre, I would say go with the V-1xe. I upgraded from the V-3 to the V-5x then the V-1xe. They have the newer series but haven't heard them outside of CES.

I've heard (and owned) a variety of BAT gear but not their tube amps. I've always liked the BAT sound.
trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Hello Sc53,

I most definitely would recommend checking out a BAT tube amp. The instrumental texture/timbre will have you listening all day long. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

best,
Tom
sc53 OP
718 posts
 
Driver--yes that's the V-3 amp I used with my Beethovens! I still haven't forgotten how good that combo sounded. I have since owned the AX-7e integrated but ended up preferring the ARC tubes with my ProAc's (living room system). I will have to find a way to audition a BAT tube amp with my Genesis 500's, since that's the only amp I haven't actually ever heard in either of my systems. I have no local BAT dealer though. Might have to travel up to Philly or NJ to audition I guess, and that won't be with Genesis speakers.
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