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Review NaN of
Price Paid:
$17000.00
from Audio Artisan Summary:
Long-term follow-up:
Well, it's been over 5 years since my 12/11/01 review, and these amps have continued to more than hold their own against all comers. I feel compelled to further advise use of the 6-8 taps (not the 4-6 taps) for Von Schweikert VR-5SEs. 6 months ago, I acquired the new VR-5SEs, which also prefer the 6-8 taps. With the 6-8 taps in that app., the SET-like immediacy these amps deliver really comes through. I had been missing that with the 4-6 taps, as they overdampeded the M/T of the speaker.
I have replaced nearly all my gear over the last five years, and have tried many, many big-ticket products. Nevertheless, the BAT 150SEs, the BAT 51SE, and the BAT P10SE will remain, likely forever (and will be updated as BAT updates them), as will Albert Von Schweikert's new VR-5SE speakers. While there is the occaisonal flavor-of-the-month boutique-built tube pre, amp, or phonostage that may do one thing better, I've seen that gear come and go (and break) far too many times to bother.
This is the _real_ good stuff, possibly the greatest stuff. But you must take the time to properly set it up- plenty of ventilation; proper vibe control is very helpful; be sure to try different speaker taps! I thought I had it all using the 4-6 taps- boy, was I ever wrong!
-Larry
P.S.
Don't use power cords from Shunyata that use FeSi compound. Sounds dead dead dead, even on digital gear. Also, having tried hundreds of vibe control products, even making my own, get yourself some Symposium Roller-Blocks and Svelt Shelves (or Point Pods or Fat Padz) for BAT gear. Simply the best combo.
Strengths:
SET-like presence/immediacy, but still awesome extension at freq. extremes. Never heard that before, haven't hear it anywhere since. To get this, one MUST properly match speakers and chose the correct taps. Weaknesses:
HOT. This is not really a "weakness", but one must match speakers carefully. I wouldn't bother trying to drive speakers that drop below 4 ohms. I would prefer speakers with a somewhat stable impedence curve. Now, this is actually more true for all other tube amps. To BAT's credit, the 150SE's are less subject to this requirement than every other tube amp I've tried, but the user should still match speakers carefully for truly exceptional sound. Similar Products Used:
Too numerous to mention in last five years. From the NuForce 9SE's to new Moscode hybrids to the usual tube gear manufacturers to custom-made boutique tube gear.
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