2. amps-preamps
  3. 1106192225

BAT vs Pass Labs Amp

I have been around audio long enough to know better than to ask "what is a better amp;" however I would like some opinions on wattage. I am hoping to buy a new amp in the next few months and am hooked on tube gear. I'm interested in BAT's VK75 amp or Pass x250 amp. I am using monitor speakers and expect to go back to floor standing speakers when space allows which brings me to my question. Is BAT's 75 watts enough to push any speaker out there or could that be an issue when I change speakers? I've always wanted to own a BAT amp and a Pass amp so I could go either way but don't want to limit my speaker choice when that time comes. This will be the amp that I keep forever (yeah right!!).

Thanks for the help.

m-
mdomnick
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
The short answer is yes, the BAT will limit your speaker choices somewhat, particularly in the amount of current it can pass, or its ability to drive a very difficult load like some electrostats. But if you are talking a 6-8 ohm nominal load with no significant dips, in an average size room, 75 tubes watts should be plenty. But if you have a big room, and/or want to hear full orchestra at live volumes, maybe not. As always, general question gets vague answer. Sorry.
mitch2
3,685 posts
 
Hi, the BAT VK75 is a tube amp with 75wpc. You can buy a second one and have a pair of very good tube monoblocks delivering 150wpc. That should be enough to easily drive most speakers. OTOH, the Pass X250 is a solid state amplifier, and the sound between the two is reported to be quite different. You should run a search on this site, on AA in the amp/preamp forum, and on the respective manufacturer's websites, to find out more about these amps. The BAT VK500 is a much closer match to the Pass, as it is a 250wpc solid state amp with only two gain stages. I currently have one listed for sale.
sean
6,231 posts
 
If you are hooked on tubes, that moves the Pass amp out of the equation right off the bat as they are all SS designs. Sean
>
More to discover