I owned a vk500 with I traded for vk60 monoblocks. For starters the vk500 is a very big and heavy amp which doesn't fit easily on a rack. It has a natural tube-like sound, is very quiet. Nice overall tonal balance, but has a drier sound than the bloomy vk60's. They say it sounds much better with aftermarket cords (needs 2). I used it with a vk5i so it definitely would handle a better preamp.
Opinions on the synergy between BAT components
Well, with some regrets, I have sold my Odyssey Stratos
amp, which drove my Hales T-5's very well. I have a BAT
VK-3i pre-amp and was curious what other BAT owners feel
is the advantage in combining a BAT amp (probably a VK
200 or 500) with my 3i. There's a lot of other choices
out there, including a Plinius 100 MK III for about the same
$ as the VK 500 (used). Any advice or opinions?
amp, which drove my Hales T-5's very well. I have a BAT
VK-3i pre-amp and was curious what other BAT owners feel
is the advantage in combining a BAT amp (probably a VK
200 or 500) with my 3i. There's a lot of other choices
out there, including a Plinius 100 MK III for about the same
$ as the VK 500 (used). Any advice or opinions?