I am sorting through the same issue. I have a cj pre amp and B.A.T. amps. I am running a Vk51SE in my system at the momment. I have to say that the amps are more alive. There seems to be more transient snap and the notes are sharper. I am not sure if thats because I am running the system with balanced IC's v.s. SE with adapters?
b.a.t. amps?
i've been steadily upgrading my system for the last month or so. the next and final step is an amp. my set up is: jm labs focal profile 918 speakers, rega apollo cd player, balanced audio technology pre-amp, jps labs interconnects, and audience au24 speaker cable. my question is, would i be making a sonically wrong decision going with an amp other than a b.a t.? a lot of people tell me that the best way to go is to match the pre amp is with a b.a.t. amp. anyone know of a different amp that would work with my system? thanks.