Hi,
Get the old VK5 or VK5i. They have better and more robust power supply. The sound can be dramatically improve by swapping in Tungsol 5881, NOS 6922 or 6n23 (baby brother of 6n30). In my opinion, putting 3 6n23 and 1 Amperex 6922, plus Tungsol does it for me.
The VK5/5i series are the only BAT preamp that has tube regulated power supply, and they are really musical. SF uses solid state power supply, not a match. Also, the SF circuits are not truly balanced, nor as pure as BAT where signal goes through only single tube. The other 3 6922 are just followers to decrease the output impedance (or increase the output current whichever way you look at it).
VK3 will outperform any Audible Illusion. Any 5 series will outperform the 3 series, not to mentioned the big leap with tube rolling. The VK5 (no remote) could be the best deal, as the sound is right up there and used price depressed, if remote is not a must have.
Get the old VK5 or VK5i. They have better and more robust power supply. The sound can be dramatically improve by swapping in Tungsol 5881, NOS 6922 or 6n23 (baby brother of 6n30). In my opinion, putting 3 6n23 and 1 Amperex 6922, plus Tungsol does it for me.
The VK5/5i series are the only BAT preamp that has tube regulated power supply, and they are really musical. SF uses solid state power supply, not a match. Also, the SF circuits are not truly balanced, nor as pure as BAT where signal goes through only single tube. The other 3 6922 are just followers to decrease the output impedance (or increase the output current whichever way you look at it).
VK3 will outperform any Audible Illusion. Any 5 series will outperform the 3 series, not to mentioned the big leap with tube rolling. The VK5 (no remote) could be the best deal, as the sound is right up there and used price depressed, if remote is not a must have.