Sonic Frontiers Line 3 SE vs. BAT VK-31SE

Thanks for the feedback gentleman. Pcwizard, I've never heard of the SE+ version, could you shine a little more light on the differences between the regular SE and the SE+?

Lissnr, I'm definitely talking used prices. The VK-31SE used is going for around $3700, the SF Line 3 SE goes for less, I beleive, as there isn't one currently availible. The VK-31SE lists for $5500, which is $500 more than the Line 3 list for, so your dollar for dollar analogy confuses me a little.

Lafish, I will probably stay with SS amp. However, I'm curious as to why you think the SF mates better with a SS amp than the BAT. Please feel free to elaborate.

Thanks again for your feedback, it seems like the Sonic Frontiers is the early feedback leader. Any BAT owners out there care to share?

Best Regards,
John

Thanks guys, interesting comments.
Sayas, why did you forsake your SF Line 3 preamp and go back to (gasp!) solid state?
Royy, I'm not sure that I want neutral sound. Looking at the rest of my equipment, I tend to lean towards the warm, musical side of neutral.
Cosmic void, I still don't know the difference between the SE and the SE+ versions. What does this mean?
Jfrech, I'd love to have the scratch for a 50 series. Bottom line is, the 31SE would be stretching it. My original budget was $2K-$2.5K, used. The 31SE would stretch that to over $3.5K. The only 5 series I can afford would be the 5i, which even BAT claims the 30SE beats (I do also consider the VK-30SE, it would save me over $1K). If only I could sell one of my kids....hmmmmm......no, the wife wouldn't go for that.....damn.

Seriously, thanks again for the responses guys. Have any of you experienced any problems with your SF or BAT equipment?

Cheers,
John

Sayas, I didn't mean to put you on the defensive. I've never owned a tube amp, and have used mostly SS in my 25 years in this hobby. I'm sure you like your Pass gear, as I love my Threshold amp. I was just curious as if you left tubes for SS for reliability or maintenance issues. Because these are reasons that I've tended to shy from tubes previously. If you've had issues before, I'd like to know now, before I spend the money. So far, I haven't had any problems with my BAT tube cd player or phono preamp. However, I've never owned a tubed unit for more than a year. Two questions: Do you have more peace of mind with the Pass gear? Are you happier with SS equipment than with tubes?

You also mention that it sounds more natural, warm and liquid with Pass than the SF tube equipment. Is this true?

I ask because I've owned Threshold, Classe, Krell, Rowland, Levinson, EAD. You just about name it, I've owned all SS equipment out there. The tube equipment somehow captures me though, in a way that SS fails to. Yes, tubes aren't as quiet, and yes, SS can be quite musical. However, if money were no object (which it is) I would own a full blown tube system (and a Lamborghini).

Regards,
John

Sayas and Cosmic void, many thanks for your time and info.

Thanks gentlemen for your input.
I thought I'd get back to you and let you know the results. I bought a BAT VK-31SE, I just got it today. I've played everything from Bob James to Nora Jones, to Dan Folgelberg to Celine Dion (SACD). LP's, cd's, SACD's I played them all. The final verdict (after 1 day) is that this new tubed preamp is better than my Classe CP-60 solid state preamp, but not by much. The vocals seemed more 'fleshed out'. The bass was a little dissapointing at first, the Classe really kicked it out. The BAT was actually deeper, but softer in the bass. The thing that really got me going was the vocals (Especially female vocals, Norah Jones 180 mg LP and Celine Dion SACD), and the upper midgange. Horns had a special new 'bite' to them. I gotta go back and listen to Bob James Touchdown now on LP. I'll give you more follow up later.

I was really tempted for the SF Line 3SE, especially after hearing my buddy's system with his SFM-75 Mk II monoblock tube amps. However, I decided to go with system matching, with my cd player and phono pre, and I am happy, initially.

I'm even considering a tube amp (BAT VK-75SE) for the first time, talk about nerves. Thanks again for all of your help, and I hope that you all continue to assist newbee's in the future.

Best Regards,
John