What platforms did you use? Were they DIY? And what did you use between the platforms and the floor, Randy?
Merry Christmas! :)
__________________
Amp: BAT VK-655SE
Pre-amp/Digital: exaSound e32 w UpTone JS-2 Power Supply; SOtM tX-USBultra w UpTone LPS1.2; Apple Mac Mini w UpTone DC Conversion Kit & UpTone JS-2 Power Supply; Squeezelite w Logitech Media Server 7.9.0
Speakers: Triangle Magellan Cello II
Cables: AudioQuest WEL XLR, AudioQuest Everest, AudioQuest Hurricane HC, AudioQuest NRG-1000, AudioQuest Diamond USB
Rack: Solid Tech Hybrid
Tweaks: Omicron Stabilizzatore Armonico & Gold Evolution SE; IsoTek Sigmas GII w Optimum EVO3; Furutech FT-SWS (R) AC Outlet; Synergistic Research Blue Quantum Fuse

They were DIY by a member here, but I am embarrassed to say I have forgotten his handle. I use spikes between the amp stand and a Berber carpet/pad over concrete.

Hey, Ray, it's time for your 2016 report!

Hello BAT Fan
 

Hello BAT fan, I am also a BAT fan. I really like their products and customer service. Victor, Vladimir and Geoff are very kind to talk to. I live nearby and visit them whenever I need their help.

Q3Di, welcome aboard! :wave:

Glad to find a BAT dedicated sub-forum. I recently bought a pair of VK-55 Mono Blocks to go with my VK-3iX Pre. I have the Bats pushing 110Watts of pure power into my Thiel CS3.6's. They have never sounded better.

Also, Geoff has been more than helpful with any question I have thrown his way....I can't wait to buy the next piece of BAT gear for my system.

I am delighted to meet another BAT lover!

New BAT lover here. My search for a balanced pre-amp, preferably with dual XLR outputs led me to the VK-42SE. Very few pre-amps fit this description at a reasonable price range.

I'm putting its dual outputs to good use, one to a moon neo 330a power amp and the other to a Linnenberg Maestro headphone amp. Really love the flexibility to use my headphones with my front-end whenever the situation prevents me from listening to the speakers.

Am further considering an upgrade to the VK-53SE (with even more XLR outputs, hurray!), and/or a BAT solid state power amp. Would anyone have experience using the BAT amps with Verity speakers? Mine are the Parsival Anniversaries.

Would love the hear from other BAT fans. Thanks!

shadowmoses, welcome aboard! :wave:

shadowmoses.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado. :wave:

shadowmoses... Welcome to AA! :wave:

Thanks all for the warm welcome!

Man, cue the crickets. Somebody share something! :)

Ok. I have a BAT VK-P5 phono pre that has served me well for about ten years. It was great as a moving magnet or moving iron cartridge type pre, but doesn't have enough gain for a low output moving coil cartridge. I use a K&K Premium step up transformer and get excellent results with the BAT. It is built like a tank and seemingly, the tubes last forever. I changed all the tubes a couple of years ago, but kept the originals, as they measured great and I could not detect any differences with the replacements.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

Has any used REL subwoofers with there BAT amps? They will be used off the speaker taps. I'm using the VK-150se tube amps

Coming back to BAT. I was forced to sell my system six years ago due to divorce. At the time was running a full BAT system including VK-D5SE Superpak, VK-P10SE Superpak, VK-52SE, VK-600SE with SME10/Lyra Skala and Wilson Sophia 2s . Just now getting back into the hobby. I purchased a brand new pair of Wilson Sophia 3s from an authorized dealer at 50% off and a second-hand VK-300xSE with phono. Will be using Ayre Codex initially as digital source. Hopefully will eventually add back an analog front end. Happy to be back!

Welcome back!! Awesome score on the Sophia 3s. BAT and Wilson make beautiful music together!

Indeed. The system that sticks most in my mind is a pair of WATT/Puppy 8s driven by an all-tube BAT system at the NY show about 10yr ago. Still recall how impressive that was. Sold my VK-300xSE w/phono about six months ago. Victor at BAT told me the last time I was in there (they are under an hour away) that the NOS Soveit era 6H30s they sell are the "real deal" and will transform any piece of BAT gear that uses them. While I did not spring for a pair, I have recently gone with some Soviet era EL84 tubes for my Luxman integrated and they were a big step up in sonics, so the 6H30s that BAT sells could well do the same.

Received my second hand VK-300x SE. Sounds great but the front panel volume knob is non-functional. The remote control volume works. Will try to get refund from seller. :(

Received an email from Music Direct that BAT is offering a trade-in program.

Hum. I have not received that email yet, but have a VKP10 phono stage that is due for an upgrade.

"Hello, My Name is Jon Schulman, sales manager of Music Direct. I wanted to reach out to you as Balanced Audio Technology is running a very limited time, and unique opportunity if you wanted to upgrade your BAT components to the latest model offered. Now until September 30th, BAT is offering up to 75% of retail value for your BAT component towards a newer or bigger version. No promotion has ever been offered from BAT before, and this will not be majorly advertised, so I wanted to make sure our customers were aware of the promotion. "

:thumbsup: Thank you

BAT's website has more information about this trade-in deal, which seems to apply to all BAT dealers. They are giving the customer credit for up to 75% of the original retail value of the old gear.

Wonder why they are running this trade-in now, and how this affects their margins. And what happens to the old gear that's traded in?

Trade-In & Upgrade | Balanced Audio

Turnaround... Welcome to AA! :wave:

Turnaround, welcome to AA.

It is hard for me to believe that I started this thread 5 and a half years ago. It is even harder for me to believe that I still have the BAT/Wilson Audio pairing as the core of my system, since I am afflicted with severe and continuous "upgradeitis." To me, that is the ultimate testimonial to the magic of this pairing. :banana:

Randy.......As the old saying goes, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." :thumbsup:

Who own's BAT these days? My understanding was that SBednarski, VKhomenko (the founders) & GPoor were the owners. During my last visit to BAT, about 2yr ago, Victor and Geoff both greeted me. However, recently read (on the internet, so must be true) that Jim Davis, owner of Music Direct & MoFi, is now the owner. Any truth to that?

Good to hear your pairing has allowed you the enjoyment as intended.

Music Direct does have interest in BAT, I’m just not sure at what percentage - I learned this direct from M/D, but it’s been a while when I was looking at amps and such, I am sure someone else will pipe in

Music Direct has an ownership stake but it appears the original principals still run the company. I have spoken to Steve and Victor recently. My BAT gear is some of the original designs but it is still rockin'.

Balanced Audio Technology
 

Now at 6 years and still thrilled with the magic. I fired up a favorites list the other night and listened for three hours straight with a grin on my face. :)

That can only mean one thing Randy. A well put together system for your ears. That’s what it’s all about! Enjoy! :music:

Thanks, Serge. :)

I haven't had my BAT gear as long as you have Randy, but I suspect it will be with me for the long haul. It provides me with enormous listening satisfaction. What more could I ask for.

Tim

Oh yeaahhh! :D
__________________
Amp: BAT VK-655SE
Pre-amp/Digital: exaSound e32 w UpTone JS-2 Power Supply; SOtM tX-USBultra w UpTone LPS1.2; Apple Mac Mini w UpTone DC Conversion Kit & UpTone JS-2 Power Supply; Squeezelite w Logitech Media Server 7.9.0
Speakers: Triangle Magellan Cello II
Cables: AudioQuest WEL XLR, AudioQuest Everest, AudioQuest Hurricane HC, AudioQuest NRG-1000, AudioQuest Diamond USB
Rack: Solid Tech Hybrid
Tweaks: Omicron Stabilizzatore Armonico & Gold Evolution SE; IsoTek Sigmas GII w Optimum EVO3; Furutech FT-SWS (R) AC Outlet; Synergistic Research Blue Quantum Fuse

Hey there, new member, considering buying at BAT preamp. But BAT model numbering has me confused. Doesn't seem like for example, the larger the number the "better" the preamp. Is there a way to make heads or tails of it? For example I see a used VK-20 and VK-50. Is the 50 "better" than 20? Thanks!

Yes, you are correct. The BK-20 was their first preamp in the 20-series and the VK-50 the first in the 50 series. The higher the number the more bells & whistles, though not, IMHO, necessarily better preamp. I've always preferred their VK-31 standard (not SE) to their more expensive models as I prefer the 6922 to the 6H30 tube. They are up to the 23 & 53 series at the moment. Plus their uber-nice Rex series.

pbgalvin... Welcome to AA! :wave:

Formerly YB-2 has it right. I was (years ago) a BAT dealer and had both a VK-50SE and a VK-20 on display. I can tell you that the VK-20 is one heck of a good pre-amp even though its the lower end of the line. I even sold one to a brass player from the San Francisco Symphony - and he loved it. There were some things that I liked better about the BAT SS sound vs the BAT tube sound. I'll leave it at that, but you won't go wrong with a BAT pre-amp.