Audio Research LS-16 vs. BAT VK-30

Greetings from Sweden

Hi,
I´m also on the lookout for a new preamp and both the LS16 and the VK30 are on my shortlist, I´m also interested in the VTL 5.5. I´ve auditioned the LS16 in my system (McCormack DNA-1 dlx/Magnepan 3.6/R) and I´m hoping to hear the 5.5, the BAT seems to be more difficult to try since there´s no dealer in my area. If you ever get a chance to do a comparison between the Vk30 and the LS16, please let me know how they stack up.
Best,
Hasse

No one is posting on this. Where are you all?

I compared the BAT VK-30SE to the ARC LS-25 MKII in a system that consisted of the ARC CD-3, Plinius 102 (newest version) and B&W 802N speakers with Kimber Cable and the ARC outperfromed my BAT in sound stage, bass definition and more dynamic. Of course thsi was at a dealer who carefully matched the system for what that is worth. I am not a fan of ARC equipment and would not have thought this would be the out come but the BAT's dynamics seemed limited and compressed compared to the ARC.

Happy Listening.