Compare BAT Vk30 to Sonic Frontiers Line 2?

I can't comment on the exact pieces of equipment you mention, but I thought it might be of interest to discuss my experience in upgrading from a BAT VK-3i to a Sonic Frontiers Line 3.

The Line 3 was a pretty significant upgrade, as it should be considering the difference in price. The Line 3 is much better at the frequency extremes -- and capable of much better resolution. It is quite a bit more neutral that the VK-3i. The Line 3 is also a LOT more dynamic.

I agree with Bryhifi that the VK-3i is a very musical preamp. It gives just a touch of warmth to the music when outfitted with NOS tubes. It is also very forgiving as well.

If find the Line 3 to be even more musical. The problem that some may have with it is not very forgiving and will certainly expose any warts. It is going to pretty much pass on the signal sent to it. Depending on the source, this may not always be a good thing.

BAT VK-30 is heaven with my VK-200 and Aerial 10Ts. I didn't audition the SF. Tried a Conrad Johnson and an Ayre, went with the BAT. Fantastic musicality, and a great user interface. The phono option was a surprisingly outstanding bonus.

Kevziek, What are your musical tastes and what equipment would you be using it with?

Sorry Keviek, should have read your post more carefully. I have a line2SE. It is very neutral. It was a bit lean until I put it on Symposium rollerblocks. Really filled out the sound.

i had the vk-30 before moving up the the 30se. i never tried the line 2. the vk-30 is not at all "dark or airless" nor (until now) have i heard it described as such. in fact, i'd say it can even be a little bright when poorly matched with cables and front end. it has good detail and staging with fairly neutral timbre.

the main deviation from neutral that is widely reported (i noticed it too) is a slight chestiness in the midrange that becomes prominent on certain vocals. the bass got a little weak and/or loose sometimes as well. however, note that many of these "problems" can reportedly be corrected with tube rolling, although i never tried it in mine. oh yeah, the interface of the 30 is great and (i expect) better than that of the line 2 as well as most preamps out there.

to me, the best aspect of the vk-30 is that it can be upgraded to a 30se, which turns a very good preamp into a great preamp. everything improves in the 30se: better detail, more solid and 3-dim imaging, more "air", tighter and stronger bass, better treble extension, etc...all improved to a HUGE degree over the stock 30. when the AC current (or whatever) has been perfect, the 30se in my system has produced that amazing and rare sense of 3-d realism on certain vocals and instruments that just grabs your attention. this is an incredible experience when you hear it (which is not often at all).

the 30 is a very good preamp. i would not hesitate to get one especially if you're willing to experiment with tubes.