High End Integrated Choices

What type of sound are you after?

Why specifically have you narrowed your list to these two integrated amps, and why the 6H30 version of the BAT versus the 6922 version?

Your answers will bring better guidance.

There are a huge number of high end integrateds. You seem to only be interested in tubes but I listed solid state too. This list is not a "short" list to investigate; you can read up in the forums and Google to go to the websites: VAC, Musical Fidelity kw500 or Trivista, ASR Emitter, Plinius 9200, Einstein, Cary, Bryton B100 (may not be enough power), Mark Levinson, Jeff Rowland , Rogue, Manley, YBA, Classe, Audiomat, Zanden, Jadis, Accuphase, Lecteur, Dussun (new from China), MBL 7008. I have experience with the Plinius 9200 (tube like, very smooth,and refined 200 watts per channel) Dussun V8i (again another tubelike integrated 250 watts per channel of brute force and a great value) I've read that B&W's like current and power.

Krell .... they mate great with B&W. And yes, you have GREAT speakers.

Richard

The only thing I would worry about with the BAT supertube is being beholden to BAT and not having any swapping choices. But great integrated. Have considered the move myself. I would listen to the complete opposite end of that spectrum, something like the Cary 300-SEI (or SLI-80 for tube swapping possibilties) just to make sure it's really what you want.

I've owned many integrateds and high-end seperates. Presently I'm using a Cayin A-88T and must say the amp is amazing. The stock tubes aren't bad, the thing is built like a tank, renders bass wonderfully, and is very transparent without excessive tube bloom. I'm feeding it with my Exemplar 2900 player, and it's driving my Gallo 3.1's.

VERY Impressive Amp. You may want to give it a listen sometime.

If you decide to buy one, feel free to email me and I'll share some hard-learned tips on wringing the best from the unit :)