Balanced Audio Technology
 

I thought it was time for a little BAT love. :D

Every time I listen to this BAT/Wilson system I am blown away by how good it sounds. The gear disappears and it becomes all about the music. For me, the measure of the experience is my emotional connection to the music, not degrees of "realism." I think my system often sounds better than live (yeah, I said it ;)).

The system is neutral, quick, highly resolving, with tight bass and sparkling highs that sound completely proportionate to the music. In a word - sublime. If you are starting a system and looking for fantastic synergy, I suggest that you audition a BAT/Wilson pairing. :thumbsup:

BAT gear is some terrific sounding gear.

It sounds like your having one of those, hair stands up on the back of your neck because the music sounds so good moments.

Enjoy!

Randy,

I'm glad you are enjoying your system. Congratulations!

I'm not familiar with their SS gear, but their tube gear sounds great.

Randy, BAT is one of a few companies that interests me. I'm glad that you're happy with your system!

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

Randy,

Tell me more about the VK-600SE :music:

http://www.balanced.com/products/amp...s/image004.jpg

My pleasure. Zero negative feedback. Only two gain stages. Vishay loading resistors. Fully balanced design. The silver "depth charges" in the photo above are oil in paper capacitors to provide added power reserves. 300W at 8 Ohms/600W at 4 Ohms. The result is liquid, effortless, natural sound. I am a huge fan. :thumbsup:

Looks sweet. I am glad you are happy. Thanks for the specs. I'll have to listen to one and compare it to my CJ 350. That would be a fun test. :music:

Hey, Randy!

New member here....

I joined AA after reading your BAT journey. Nice read and great setup.

I'm nearing the end of my BAT journey....

I auditioned a full BAT setup a decade ago and absolutely loved it. I purchased the VK-5i preamp but got side-tracked by the Krell FPB 300 amp, Mark Levinson #39 cd player and Energy Veritas 2.8 speakers.

I like the speakers and cd player but the Krell has to be tamed by my BAT VK-5i.

Well, it's time to upgrade....

I purchased a used BAT VK-600SE and should have it next week. I'm hunting for a used VK-52SE.

Once I recover from the hit to my wallet, my Energy Veritas 2.8's will be replaced by the Andra II, Vandersteen 5A or Sophia 2.

I'm anxious to get the equipment set up. I waited too long to retire the Krell.

Anyway, I plan on using a Logitech 900 remote to power the equipment on/off. As you know, the VK-600SE uses a 12v Trigger. I don't have any gear that can turn the 600SE on (why didn't BAT place a trigger on their preamp?). Are you aware of a reasonably priced 12v trigger I can attach to the 600SE and remotely trigger with the Logitech 900 remote?

Also, what's your opinion on the new 655SE amp?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Randy,

I'm still heartily enjoying my BAT VK-300xSE integrated amp.

I am actually currently auditioning a used VK-250SE amp and a demo VK-42SE preamp. This combination also goes very well with my Wilson Audio Sophia 2's.

I'm debating getting both, or perhaps just getting the VK-250SE for the nonce, and using the integrated as my preamp.

Which ever way I go, I'll be enjoying great music!

Dawgneck, I have been turning on my VK-600SE by hand (it irritates me :D). I have not looked for a solution yet. Let me know if you find one first.

I have not heard the VK-655SE or even know much about it. For something demo'd at CES 2011, it is odd to me that it is not yet on the BAT website. Beyond the "second generation" capacitors and a "redesigned power supply" I have not heard any details. If you have more, tell, tell! :)

Bill, go for both. I found the addition of the BAT VK-52SE preamp to big a big improvement over the W4S STP, which I had thought was already spectacular. Bat + Wilson really is magic. :thumbsup:

You are right, Randy: BAT's website does not have the new amp listed.

Victor mentioned it during a telephone conversation yesterday and it shocked me. He said they'll update the website but didn't mention when. Perhaps after their dealers get a chance to empty their stash of 600's?

I would've purchased the 600SE anyway but I wish I'd known beforehand... I could've used that info during my negotiations on the 600SE.

Anyway, I picked up my amp yesterday (a 10-hr round trip drive), swapped out the Krell a few hours ago and I'm listening to music now!

I love this amp! It sound goods with the VK-5i and directly fed by my Logitech Transporter.

Now I'm contemplating keeping the VK-5i or using the Transporter or Mark Levinson no39 CD player/DAC to feed the 600SE.

What are your thoughts on buying the 52SE or using the Transporter/ML 39?

Dawgneck.

Do you mind telling us your first name?

I am a big believer in preamps instead of direct feeding the source to the amp. I know the straight wire with gain theory, but I think the preamp controls the low voltage of the source in a way that one hears. In my system, the addition of the VK-52SE added width to the sound stage and a much more organic feel to the music. I lost a trace of bass control over what the Wyred 4 Sound STP had provided, but obtained a far more lifelike mid-range.

Congrats on the VK-600SE! Effortless, seemingly infinite power. It is a beast. By the way, mine made a large leap in performance by putting it on an amp stand with some vibration control. Mine is just a heavy white maple stand on spikes, but it really helped. The upgrade path will add a Symposium Svelte Plus pad at some point.

Randy,

My name is Ray. I have 7 posts to go before I'm able to modify my signature....

I finished today's listening session.

The 600se is incredible! A perfect amp for the type of music I listen to (mostly jazz, vocals, neo-soul & organ pipes). The difference in the mids and highs is astounding. It doesn't matter if the 600 is driven directly by sources or by the VK-5i, the music sounds natural.

In comparison, the Krell can get a bit harsh in the upper freqs when driven directly by my sources. It sounds fine when its hooked to the VK-5i. My ears say the Krell handles the bass a little better/different, but I want to complete further comparisons before offering a conclusion on the bass.

I prefer the VK-5i feeding the sources to the amp. I'm not ready to abandon my Onkyo T-9090 tuner either so my search for a 52se continues.

I heard the 600se runs hot.... You guys don't know what hot is until you run a Krell! The 600se runs ice cold in comparison. It's only warm to the touch - I can't touch my Krell after 15 minutes.

I can't wait to get the 52se on this baby!

I, too love BAT. I've got the BAT VK-P5 and it sounds great. Today, there are so many great amps. I just recently (2 days ago) installed my Pass Labs XA-100.5 amp and the XP-20 preamp into my system and the Watt Puppy's have never sounded so good.

Ray, my BAT gear definitely heats the room - but I also tend to run at least 4 hours at a time. :)

Question, Randy:

I have a local dealer who has a good deal on a 32se. He states the 32se sounds warmer in the midrange, compared to the 52se.

Did you audition/research the 32se before purchasing the 52se? If so, what did you learn about the sound differences?

Can you share anything else about the differences between the two?

Thanks.

Ray,

I went straight to the VK-52SE without auditioning a VK-32SE. Which tube configuration does the dealer unit have? It can be (1) 6C19, (2) 5881, or (3) 6H30. The VK-52SE has 6H30's and I love the way that midrange sounds, which I would put at a tick towards the warm side from neutral. For me, I would not want it any warmer, but that is intensely subjective and YMMV.

Based on reading specs and history, I am going to guess that the VK-52SE has more reserve current and therefore a more "effortless" sound (mine is liquid, I love it), but you have to take that with a grain of salt because I have not actually heard a VK-32SE. I based that assumption of the second generation oil in paper capacitors in the VK-52SE.

Sorry I am not being much help. After hearing the VK-600SE amp (I was enthralled) and being unable to afford a REX preamp, I just went as high as I could go, which was the VK-52SE.

Thanks, Randy.

I don't know the tube configuration of the dealer's 32SE. My VK-5i sounds pretty warm, so I like what you wrote about the 52SE being "a tick towards the warm side from neutral".

I decided to put a deposit on the 52SE tomorrow (the dealer has to order it).

If I buy the 32SE, I'll always wonder what I'm missing.

I can't wait.

Thanks again.

Randy,

I decided for the nonce to just go with the VK-250SE. After a week of testing the VK-42SE, and then switching back to using the VK-300xSE as the preamp, I just liked the sound of the music better. It wasn't anything that I could really hear, but more how I felt. I just suddenly felt more relaxed. My dealer says that it was because of the tubes in the integrated, and he may be right. I've never been particularly pro-tube, but I may have to start thinking about one of BAT's tube preamps.


Bill

Bill, congrats on the new acquisition. I have found the BAT tube preamp and BAT solid state amp to be an outstanding blend. :thumbsup:

Hi, Randy.

I'm anxiously awaiting my VK-52SE. Should arrive in two weeks.

I'm moving the Krell and VK-5i into my bedroom and need to purchase new ICs and PCs for the BAT equipment. I want great sounding ICs and PCs but don't want to spend a lot on them... The VK-600SE and 52SE purchase hit my wallet hard and I'm contemplating a new set of speakers in the near future.

I see you're using WireWorld ICs and the Shunyata Hydra. Can you answer the following questions:

1. Have you tried Signal Cable ICs or PCs in your system, or heard them elsewhere? If so, what did you think, compared to your WireWorld cables?

2. What is your opinion on the PS Audio P-10 power conditioner and the Shunyata Triton?

3. I'm considering the EgglestonWorks Andra (1, 2 or 3), the Genesis 5.3, the Genesis G6.1 and Vandersteen 5A loudspeakers. Have you listened to any of these? If so, please share your thoughts.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

I just found the thread you started re: your interconnect, speaker and power cable purchase and I'm reading through it now.

Perhaps my IC/PC questions will be answered somewhere in the thread....

I finished reading your WireWorld cable thread, Randy.

I'll have to get a SBA (Sonic Betterment Achievement) loan first, but I think I'll jump in as well....

I would like to hear more on the SignalCable, especially from someone with experience with both.

Has anyone heard any more info on the VK655 (I think is the model)? It's supposed to replace the VK600 and I read somewhere about it but there hasn't been any word on BAT's site. I remember talking to Geoff Poor and he said something about it when I listened to the VK600's but I was so excited to hear a BAT system for the first time I didn't ask any further questions about it.

Ray, I am afraid that I am not going to much of a resource for you. I have not heard SignalCables, nor the PS Audio line conditioner, nor the speakers you listed. I am very pleased with my Shunyata Hydra, which is fed by a Shunyata Black Mamba CX HC, and to which a number of WireWorld Silver Electra 5.2 power cords are connected.

As to the SBA, there is no need to jump in that deeply. While I am a huge fan of WireWorld Silver Eclipse 6 IC's and SC's, there are surely not the only good cables. In the past, many people matched Cardas Golden with BAT (looking for a warm sound). I was almost into a Shunyata loom, but ultimately went WireWorld.

Depending on what you have now (or do not have), you might want to go with Kimber 8TC speaker cables and Kimber Hero interconnects, just to get your feet wet. They are a very solid bang for the buck value and have good resale. And they are not nearly as pricey as WW Silver Eclipse 6 (and to be honest not as good either).

Let us know what you pick and how it worked out. :)

I believe a large BAT dealer in Florida has one on display, but I forget the name of the store.

I was too shocked to ask further questions after hearing about the 655SE THE DAY AFTER I purchased my 600SE.

I thought the 600SE was the most current model. A large part of my purchase was based on this.

Please let us know if you hear anything else.

Thanks for your reply, Randy.

I spoke to a few dealers today and discussed cable options. Both dealers sell WireWorld Silver Eclipse 6 cables and went into great detail about how the world will end if I attach anything else to my equipment :D.

I don't want to spend this type of money on cables, but I also don't want to play the "staircase" game (upgrading cables often) or spend too much time auditioning them. This is the reason I wanted to hear what people like you (who have the same BAT equipment I have) are using and skip right to the end.

I'm not sure what is going on, but a lot of people are saying great things about WireWorld Silver Eclipse 6. I don't want to buy something cheaper now and always have that "I should have..." feeling each time I turn my system on.

I'm leaning towards the Silver Eclipse cables....

My poor wallet!

Signal cable is good stuff IMO. I had it and well made and good sounding.

I like also Nordost, a bit brighter in SQ IMO but for me it worked. I personally am a fan of MIT cables and haven't really played with WireWorld, but was planning on getting some PC's by them.

I just always found MIT to give me a sound closer to what I was looking for and make it a bit more real. I know that the one reference system I heard which was VK600SE mono's with REX pre was using Nordost and it sounded great IMO.

I see you're using SignalCables power cords. Have you tried their interconnects and speaker cables?

Signal makes some nice sounding cables, especially when paired with Eichmann RCA's... But with BAT gear, you should be using balanced cables, and IIRC, Signal's balanced cables are similar to Mogami Gold.

Thanks for the info, Face.

Yes!

The 52SE arrived yesterday and is going through the burn-in process.

The BAT duo sounds good and I expect the sound will get better with further burn-in. I'm sure my current loom (Audioquest Ruby interconnects, Tara Labs Klara speaker cables) is holding the system back, but to what degree?

I'm considering replacing the cables with a WireWorld Silver loom. I don't want to use "lower-classed" SignalCable or my current Audioquest Ruby cables, but I'm still having a hard time justifying $10k (retail, before dealer discounts) for a WireWorld Silver Eclipse cable loom.

My BAT dealer believes I should purchase the WireWorld Silver Eclipse cable loom and eat rice cakes until Christmas.

Is the WireWorld loom going to sound ($9,000) better than the ($1,000) SignalCable or my Audioquest Ruby/Tara Labs Klara loom?

I know it sounds silly to spend mega bucks on a BAT amp and preamp then use cables that are not in the same class, but darn it, I just can't get over spending so much money on cables!

Again, is the difference in the above looms worth the extra cost?

The WW SE cables will be more detailed than Signals.

You can always go cheap now, then upgrade to the Silver Eclipse or Golden Eclipse later.

Ray...does your dealer have a Silver Eclipse loom he can lend you for a home audition? You can then decide for yourself if the extra expense is worth it or not.

Ray, until the VK-52SE burns in, you cannot really compare cables and interconnects. As to a $9,000 jump, I refer back to my post #27, which said go with Kimber 8TC speaker wires and Kimber Hero interconnects for now and upgrade later. The Kimbers are great bang for the buck and will re-sell easily, making this a low cost interim step.

BTW, a HUGE congrats on the new preamp!! :thumbsup:

Very nice bang for the buck cables indeed. I remember the Kimber Heros fondly (my first set of interconnects) :thumbsup:

Thanks, Face.

I'm debating this right now....

Cyril,

My BAT dealer did not have a loom available for audition.

I may just bite the bullet and go for WW in a few weeks.