Hello Mike,
Yes, I was referring to Charles Hansen. The particular thread that came to my mind I believe was on Audio Asylum. Try doing a search under "Eidolon Diamond". He was speaking very positively about the sound of the Eidolon Diamond driven by BAT electronics. There may be other threads as well.
I know of others (including a personal friend) who have mated BAT tube preamps with solid-state amps with no issues whatsoever and have had incredible results. In my experience what you are reading is simply not. Unless there is a technical mismatch of the pairing and the amp is of commensurate quality you should get stunning results.
If you call BAT with the technical details about the amp you plan on pairing the 52se with they'll give you the honest truth if they will work well together. They have integrity and will not tell you something just to get a sale. I promise!
There is a review of the 52se on positive feedback if you care to read it ... allow your ears to be the final judge
www.positive-feedback.com/Issue37
All the best,
Tom
