Audio Research LS-16 vs. BAT VK-30

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.

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

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