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Other Tube Amps that compete with BAT 150SE

I have been thinking about changing my entire system and going with tube amps. I will also be selling my B&W matrix 803s to get a full range speaker that will mate with tubes. I want to narrow down my choices. I have only heard the BAT 150SE amps and want to know what other amps to audition. I live in the NYC area. I want to get as much dynamics, slam and bass as possible but also may consider a bi-amp arrangement with a SS amp for the bottom end (I still have my Kinergetics KBA-75 SS amp class A 140 wpc). I will have to sell my Pass X-250 to get some funds towards the purchase of the tube amps. I would probably look to buy in the $10K and under price range.

Your comments and suggestions are appreciated.

Happy Listening.
bigkidz
7 responses Add your response
czapp's avatar
czapp
126 posts
 
I would give serious consideration to the CAT JL2.
It is rated at 100 watts per channel. The CAT has the widest dynamic range I have heard from a tube amp.
Tight bass, extremely extended highs with no grain or edge, and midrange with a beautiful bloom, while remaining open and transparent. It really is that good.

Good Luck
Carl
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
I don't know---I love my CJ8xs (triode)
mejames
986 posts
 
10k used VTL REFERENCE 750 with infini caps.
itsalldark
182 posts
 
VK60SE Mono amps are very, very close, and sometimes if you are very patient, a pair will come up for sale on this very site. I have seen them for around $7000.00 for a nice pair! Well worth a listen, and the wait.
sternart
34 posts
 
I'm quite pleased with the BAT 150SE's and I've owned quite a few amps. I am however using them with Genesis 201's which have a separate sub-woofer amp, kind of like what you are describing for a bi amp set up.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
frigi86
10 posts
 

Hi, go listen to the Lamm ML-1, 90 watt mono tube amps. They go for around $8000 to $10,000 on Audiogon when you can find a pair. Once you listen to Lamm you will say, what is BAT?
murphthelab
21 posts
 
I can't comment on a straight up competitor to the VK-150SE's. However, I am using BAT's VK-60, bi-amped with a big class-A SS amp on the bottom (Krell KSA-200S), and the results are fantastic w/ my Martin Logans. I believe the BAT tube amps are gain matched well w/ the big Krells (26 and 26.5 dB). If the Krell's can't produce tight base, they can't do anything. Even passive bi-amping is good for the tubes because it "load unburdens" the amplifier. You can even add a HP filter at the tube amp input to come darn close to active bi-amp. It's just a capacitor. Victor at BAT can tell you more.
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