I have not heard either the Plinius or the BAT 500, but I have just recently purchased a VK-200. I would like to say it is the most realistic, musical, tube-like SS amplifier I have ever heard, including Krell, Aragon, Levinson, Proceed, ARC, Bryston, Clayton. It is very naturally balanced, without that ear-ringing, in-your-face highs and bloated, pounding bass so many SS designs put forth. Everything is there, including spacious, smooth, realistic midrange and tons of detail. If you want to hear something close to real music (I attend many concerts), try the BAT. They are selling at ridiculously low prices simply because they are currently not "the" hot topic amplifier. Mores the pity for audio in general, but lucky for us.
BATVK500 in Plinius league?
I have a chance to buy a used BAT VK500 plus BATPAK for my Apogee Duetta Signature speakers (currently use Classe DR9) Plinius has been suggested as a good option, but is nearly twice the price than I can get the BAT for. Any comments on how the BAT stacks up against Plinius amps? (or other amps, Classe, Krell,)