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BAT Preamps, why such polarized opposite opinions?

I've never heard a BAT preamp. But I've heard enough about them on this and other sites. What is it about their sonics that people either tend to really like or really dislike them?

I've heard criticisms that they lack air, treble openness, life. I've been told the VK32SE is too dark, too weighted to the bottom, no air or delicacy on top.

I've heard these polarized opinions from audio salesmen as well, some who carried (carry) BAT. Let's just say I made alot of long distance calls to get a broad opinion.

But others love their sound and think they are fabulous.

I know what you're going to tell me - go listen to them yourself. Well, I live rural and it isn't easy to do.

So, instead, I'd like to get opinions across the spectrum from the Audiogon guys.

I'm using a Audio Research 100.2 with Dali Helicon 400's. I've tried Rogue, ARC, Sonic Frontiers, but haven't found the right preamp yet.
audiosoul

Showing 3 responses by audphile1

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,154 posts
 
Glai, just curioous what amp and spekers? thanks
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,154 posts
 
I have heard BAT 31SE in the store with BAT VK250 amplifier when I was auditioning CD players(Arcam FMJ CD33, Cary 303/300 and Musical Fidelity A5) at Sound by Singer.
Haven't noticed the closed in or dark or dull sound from the BAT combo. The room was acoustically treated.

Audiosoul,
You say you never heard a BAT preamp. And yet you doubt the group of people who offered their opinion that contradicted with what you READ in the forums.

Why don't YOU go and get a demo piece from the dealer(or buy a used unit on audiogon), bring it home and listen to it in your system and draw your own conclusions, instead of questioning and doubting what someone said. This would be a more sofisticated way to go about it, in my opinion.
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,154 posts
 
Audiosoul, the best thing to do, is to audition at home in your own system. It seems like you know that. But despite the fact, you still lean towards a certain set of opinions on the forums.

I am not doubting what Elberoth1 observed in his system, but that was in his system, his room. Regardless of how expensive and sofisticated one's system is, you do not know what type of sound they like, what type of room it is(dead or lively). Synergy is everything.

Without being familiar with your speakers and your room acoustics, nobody really knows how BAT or ARC or any other preamp would sound in your system. You need to match components and wires until you find the right combination.
You did not mention what your system sounds like now, what it lacks and what you want to achieve.

Discounting a particular component based on opinions from the forums, and mixed opinions nonetheless, is just not a wise thing to do. But if there is absolutely no way you can audition a component, then I guess all you're left with is to rely on forums.
That's all I was tryng to say.
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