I second Tom. The 52se is upgradeable to the REX and the rex is one of the best pre's anywhere. This would weigh heavy in my decision to the point where I would not only audition the 52se and the ref 3 but also the rex because if you get the 52se you may wind up later with REX and be done. I heard people say when I was looking to buy BAT that it was Dark and all but when I heard it and decided I liked it, it was anything but. Now its in my home and its wonderful. I have the rex and vk600se mono. I also heard the 52se when I did my demo on the rex. It was paired with the Vk250 solid state amps I think and running the Wilson Duet speakers with the bat cdp and it was fantastic. I feel that cables that can't keep up with bat performance and speed can cripple the sound. My friend has the vk42 I think it is a ss pre and he has great sound as well and I have yet to hear a bat system that was dark which is what I hear a lot on these audio sites. I find it natural and uncolored and oh so quick and dynamic. Like also that a lot of there products are upgradeable so your path don't end with a purchase.
