Balanced amp for Bat vk5i...

Although I am a happy user of a VK-500, I think that I would recommend the Plinius, as most bang for the buck. With plinius, you may want to read up on the differences between different Mk. versions of the amps before deciding.

Disclaimer: I admit that I have listened to more BAT and Plinius gear than Levinson and Classe. I also have not listened to Arial's. They may indeed have a Levinson synergy.

Have fun.

Sorry about not getting back to this until now. Thanks for all the advice! I like Bat and I'll probably end up with a vk51se preamp someday, but I'm not brave enough for a tube amp and Bat's solid state amps are very good- but not great...just my opinion. That leaves me with Plinius and Mark Levinson... I'm stuck between the Plinius sa250 mkIV and the Mark Levinson 336. I've been researching both. How is the dependability of both these amps? Also, how hot does the Mark Levinson 336 get?

I've been using a BAT VK500 with my VK 5i...I like the combo and it fits your budget easily...have you tube rolled the 5i? I swapped out the Sovteks for Amperex 7308 and 6922 to great effect.

I use bat vk 5i( amperex 7308 an tungsol 5881 tubes) with Gamut d200 mk3 - superb , pristine incridible.

i use the BAT VK51SE with the Plinius 250mk4 and sonus faber extremas. enjoy the music this combo makes very much. Ive had the plinius for 3 years now -no problems and i run in class A frequently.