Which amp ? ...

I'm sorry it took me so long to respond... but finding the speakers took longer than I imagined.

So, I've got the Snell CV, an Audio Refinement CD Complete (Alpha Version) and was using the VK3i and the VK200. Let me start about by saying that I am seriously jaded and what I have to say should be taken with a grain... no... lets make that a pound of salt.

The BAT stuff just didn't float my boat... which is to say they didn't pair well with the Snell's. The bottom end was too big, ill defined and too slow, the midrange was a bit grungier than what I was used too and the top too laid back.

So, long story short, I sold the BAT stuff and now have an ARC SP9II and a Parasound HCA2200II again... and it is absolute bliss. It's just one of those magical combinations that you dream about finding... the perfect set-up for your room, for your budget and your taste.

Years ago, when I built this system the first time, I went through dozens and dozens of components. This time around I should have known better than to mess with success.

I have no doubt that the BAT stuff is awesome gear, it just wasn't right for me and my set of circumstances.

The system is simply wonderful... it plays very loud without ever sounding strained. The top is incredibly revealing with lots of detail and air but with no edginess. The mids are too die for, imaging is spot on and the bass is deep, tight and fast.

I'm in heaven... and I have Audiogon to thank for it! The amp, pre-amp, speakers and the CD all came from Audiogoners and the total price tag was a hair under $3K! I've made some new friends along the way too. Life is good.

Dean.

Wow. I'm sorry our recommendations didn't work out so well.

I too have sampled a number of different combinations of gear over the years, and oddly arrived at quite a collection of BAT components that satisfy my needs (however different they are from yours) very well. I've not owned a 3i in my travels, but still own a 5i that I can't part with, a 50se, along with a D5, VK60 and the aforementioned VK200. Of course, now I'm in the market for a 75se ;)

The performance you describe may have been related to the 3i, but there is a 'house' sound to BAT gear that leads me to believe that it should have at least had similar sonic characteristics to other BAT products. I've never heard the Snells in tandem with any BAT product either, so the combination may have just lacked synergy.

All that being said, it is nice to hear that you made your way back to components that can put a smile on your face.

Reelsmith:

Still got those Snell CV's ??? I am looking for a good amp combination to go with my pair Let's talk.