It has been about 4 years since I have heard the BAT gear and perhaps it was poor synergy, but it sounded lean and a bit veiled to me. Many amps claim to sound like SET amps. SET amps sound like SET amps. Why buy a BAT and change the coupling caps and hope for the best when Scott could buy the Atma and the Audiokinesis and know he is getting excellent synergy?
I think the real question is whether Scott wants "warm and smooth" which means an el34 or 300b topology. Scott, I recommend the Atma/Audiokinesis if you are unable to audition. If you are able to audition, I recommend that you listen to BAT, Atma, an el34 and a 300b along with the appropriate efficiency speakers. Or, be patient and buy used gear and resell what does not float your boat. Good luck, Jeff
I think the real question is whether Scott wants "warm and smooth" which means an el34 or 300b topology. Scott, I recommend the Atma/Audiokinesis if you are unable to audition. If you are able to audition, I recommend that you listen to BAT, Atma, an el34 and a 300b along with the appropriate efficiency speakers. Or, be patient and buy used gear and resell what does not float your boat. Good luck, Jeff