Need help with upgrade path

Before you write my suggestion off, I have listened to BAT pieces many, many times at a store in Illinios owned by Geoff Poor, who also happens to be one of the partners in BAT. I've heard them with Esoteric and BAT digital front ends as well as VPI analog front ends running through an array of different Wilson (MAXX, Sophia, Duette), JM Lab/Focal Utopia (Nova Be, Diva Be, Micro Be) and Magnepan (1.6) speakers.

As good as those systems sound, if you've not familiar with Karan amps or integrated amps, I really wish you'd give one a try before making your final decision. They are every bit as special as all of the reviews proclaim them to be.

Chuck

Krell_man...
I'd like to audition the Karan but it seems availability might be an issue. I failed to mention that I'll be buying used and reselling,unfortunately, if it doesn't fit. If one were to become available I will be very interested.

Tweak1...
I've always intended to try bi-wiring these speakers, I'm sure it would improve the bass, but wondered if the cohesiveness would suffer...won't know till I try.

Tom_hankins...
I'd very much like to audition the JC-1's if a pair within my area becomes available. The heat would be an issue but I'd still like to try them. Nothing is perfect in all respects. The Ayre V-1xe is an excellent suggestion, something I've thought about and will most definitely try when available. I look forward to hearing how it will pair with my VR-4jr's. Has anyone heard these paired together, I wonder.

Thanks to all who took the time to share their suggestions and if anyone has something else I welcome those also.

Stubby,

Call Darren at Avatar Acoustics, 1-888-991-9196 or 1-305-608-6079 (http://www.avataracoustics.com/contact.php). He's the importer. I bought mine used from him, it's within your range.

Normally, when someone goes to the Karan gear, they stay with it. They may trade up, and will go to Darren rather than go on Audiogon because he has more connections in the Karan market.

Chuck

Tube pre-amp with a SS. power amp. Best of both worlds, pre-amp tubes are relatively inexpensive. My opinion and I'm sticking to it. I have had a tube pre (custom built around the 12au7 tube) and a variety of SS power amps for decades. I won't have it any other way.

Jaybo...
The BAT integrated isn't bad at all, in fact, I enjoy it very much. But I'm curious how the VK-500 might compare as far as bass control and overall presentation.