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BAT vs Cary

I purchased on Audiogon a Theta Digital Casanova HT processor, it sounds great for movies. The thing is the remote runs on the same platform/code as my my BAT VK31SE, so I can't use the remote for the Casanova(the BAT controls my mains). So I am thinking of possibly selling the Bat and replacing it with a Cary. I have other Cary in my system cd player(Cd308), phono stage(PH302) and amp(V12). I have not heard any Cary pre-amps, is this a move that I would regret. Is BAT way better than Cary or on the same plane?
Thanks in advance for any input'previous experiences.
Jeff
jdodmead
jdodmead OP
241 posts
 
My speakers are Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Grands.

Thanks for your responses

Jeff
clio09
2,978 posts
 
I'll second the SLP-98. It is a great preamp and I was running mine with a V12i, an excellent combination. They come up used every so often for around $1800. They usually get snapped up pretty quickly though.
keithr
950 posts
 
I would talk to BAT and Theta to see if the frequency can be changed.

I've owned the SLP 98, BAT 31SE, and BAT 51SE. All are wonderful and very different. The 51SE is spectacular but at a much higher pricing point. The 98 is a great preamp for the money, and I've owned it twice!

I've also worked with both Cary and BAT customer service and both are at the top of the heap for audio companies. BAT really went out of its way on a problem i had in shipping a preamp I sold. Highly recommend them.
jdodmead OP
241 posts
 
I have already contacted both companies, I am on my own on this one. One of them will have to go, I need to decide which one.
jafox
1,348 posts
 
"Cary favors the coherent/musical camp whereas the BAT is the detail/definition camp."

Hah? He said BAT, not CAT! Other than a softening of the upper frequencies, the 31SE (I owned one for 2 years) is very tonally coherent and musical in its portrayal of space and decays. It is not at all one of the more detailed line stages out there however. The CAT Ultimate for example leaves the BAT in the dust in this regard.

If you like the 31SE, I would look into the possibility suggested by Keithr.

John
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