High end tube Preamp under $4k used that competes

BAT preamps have always had that dark/not dark debate for some reason, I can't really understand why though. I have had the VK-31SE, VK-50SE, VK-51SE, VK-3iXSE and VK-32SE in my system, and I would say that BAT preamps are on the darker side compared to preamps from ARC, Aesthetix and VAC. I would say the BAT is not as dark as preamps from Cary or CJ though. I also would say that BAT has the best bass of just about any preamp I've owned, tube or SS.

The VK-31/32SE have RCA and XLR inputs. The 32SE has more midrange bloom, the 31SE has better dynamics, FWIW. Personally I prefer preamps from ARC, Aesthetix and VAC, but my list of requirements is different from yours. So reading your list of requirements, I'd recommend BAT.

Cheers,
John

Foster, you are right about losing your shirt when selling a modded unit IF you paid to have the original mod done. If you buy it on the used market, you can get a steal, IMHO. I have a CDP that Chris did a $3K mod on and it sounds incredible. I sold a CDP that cost me twice as much when I heard this one. I paid about $600 more than a used stock version was selling for at the time. So the gent who had the mod performed lost about $2.5K, but I got a great sounding CDP for a great price. Chris Johnson does fabulous work.

As for your decision, get the SLP-05. You know you've been waiting for someone to tell you that, so go ahead and do it. Most here probably mistook your original post, as I did, and thought you were looking for other recommendations. It's obvious to me now that you have your heart set on the SLP-05, so just go get one.

Cheers,
John

Foster, you will get many recos, as you can see, but only you can judge whether it "competes or betters the SLP-05". Many here will tell you that they have heard better preamps, in their opinions, but your opinion is the only one that really counts here, since it's your money.

BTW, if open tubes was a concern, perhaps you should have placed it on your original list. FWIW, I'd check with Cary to see if they sell tube cages. I know they sell tube cages for their amps.

Cheers,
John