Be aware that the 50SE/51SE are fully balanced only on both the inputs and outputs. If your sources and amps do not have xlr connections, you would need to buy adaptors as well. However, the 51SE at the above mentioned price would be a great deal and the cost of adaptors is not too great. I have not owned the pre you now own, but had the VK 5i as well as the 31SE. The 31 SE was much more dynamic and immediate sounding. I eventually settled on the VK31 to have the ability to roll tubes. Hope this helps.
