Integrated greats - BAT VK300x SE vs Conrad Johnson CA200 vs Passlabs INT150

I  was looking for a good integrated amplifier. After reading TAS Awards for PASS LAB INT-150 integrated amplifier of the year and `Editors choice award to BAT VK-300X I thought of having an audition.
The BAT dealer did not have VK-300X SE (with super tubes) so I listened to VK-300X with normal tubes and liked the amp.  Dealer was not interested in importing SE model due to poor sales and economic slowdown. But I enjoyed the normal VK-300 and was getting a good deal  because dealer wanted to clear the stock.
Next I wend to PASS LAB dealer and listened to INT-150. The sound was very clean and detailed but lacked the impact and sound stage was not big and it sounded constrained  on the Sonus faber floor standing speakers (don't know model number)
Luckily this dealer is also selling McIntosh and their latest integrated MA-6600 (200 watts)was sitting next to PASS INT-150.
I asked him to demo the McIntosh and was immediately surprised by the very first note I heard. It has a very smooth Presentation with huge soundstage and  very good dynamics and powerfull bass. Sound was very trasparent with lot of inner details. Surprisingly McIntosh solid state amp. doesn't sound like Solid state and sounds more like tube Amp. with its smooth presentation.
With a side by comparission PASS INT-150 sounded a much weaker amp.. atleast to my ears and in that set up. Also after listening to Pass Lab for 45 minutes I was getting headache as it was too clean and bright. Where as I could listen to Mcintosh for longer time without fatigue.
I immediately decided that Mcintosh was the amplifier I was looking for. The very next day I bought it and I am enjoying the the music and it is a magical match for my new Quads electrostatic speakers 2805.. Mac has a smooth but powerfull presentation with good control of all frequencies and very musical.
But unfortunately there is a snag with the new Mac MA-6600. There is a Software problem as all the controls in this new amps are digitally controlled and there are few problems which needs FIRMWARE upgrade which Mcintosh has promised to attend immediately. right now some of the manual controls are not working but I can control them using remote control
SKR
 

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I've owned the BAT VK-300x SE for a couple of years now and have been extremely pleased with it's performance. I have not spent much time getting to know the cj CA200 or new Pass Labs units, I've only heard them in passing. As one could expect at this level of gear, all three sounded quite good overall. The real differences are subtle and which unit is "better" comes down to what your tastes are when it comes to the sound you enjoy.
 
I've found the BAT to be a terrific overall performer which has provided me with excellent dynamics, gorgeous midrange and a good top end. Imaging is solid. I don't listen to a lot of music where you can really gauge soundstage width and height but my limited experience shows the BAT to be good in this area, not great. I've had no mechanical issues, it has worked like a charm.

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