Bluefin
The BAT VK-30 and BAT VK-5's are a completely different sounding preamps. VK-30 is far more neutral and slightly better extended in treble and bass than VK-5. VK-5, when I auditioned it, side by side with the VK-30, sounded like a classic tube preamp with the warm, lush midrange and softened top and bottom end.
I ultimately chose the VK-30 because I'm a sucker for PRAT and it does everything the original poster wanted in a tube preamp very well. I also find it more forgiving than any SS preamps I tried and some hybrids like SF Sig-1.
I also auditioned the SF Line 1 and 2 from the same dealer and the BATs were far more musical sounding preamps. SF rendered the music a bit bland and lifeless compared to the BAT preamps. YMMV of course.
Oh, if it matters, the amp used during the audition in all cases was SF Power 1. I still regret not buying that amp...
The BAT VK-30 and BAT VK-5's are a completely different sounding preamps. VK-30 is far more neutral and slightly better extended in treble and bass than VK-5. VK-5, when I auditioned it, side by side with the VK-30, sounded like a classic tube preamp with the warm, lush midrange and softened top and bottom end.
I ultimately chose the VK-30 because I'm a sucker for PRAT and it does everything the original poster wanted in a tube preamp very well. I also find it more forgiving than any SS preamps I tried and some hybrids like SF Sig-1.
I also auditioned the SF Line 1 and 2 from the same dealer and the BATs were far more musical sounding preamps. SF rendered the music a bit bland and lifeless compared to the BAT preamps. YMMV of course.
Oh, if it matters, the amp used during the audition in all cases was SF Power 1. I still regret not buying that amp...