Al - This question has alot to do with the speakers your using and also the type of music you listen to. I have auditioned the Ayre amp and the BAT VK-500 (not 200) in my system. I have Martin Logan speakers. The Ayre and the Martin Logans hated each other. The music was hard and irritating. The BAT was a perfect match for the MLs. If you don't have ML's and listen to rock, pop, etc, the Ayre might be a better amp. It has a huge soundstage with good pace and rythem. If you listen more to jazz or classical, the BAT may be the best choice. The BAT is very musical with great bass, good detail and somewhat of a tubelike presentation. I am a huge fan of BAT gear. I listened to the Ayre with a pair of Maggies I have set up in another room just to make sure nothing was wrong with the amp.E-mail if any questions.
