BAT preamp owners

Years ago I owned a 3i and won a contest on the Audio Revelation website in which the prize was a brand new VK-30. I was so excited about the new preamp that I committed the audiophile sin of selling my old component before the new one arrived. Big mistake. I never could get the 30 to sound as good as the 3i no matter what amount of tweaking and tube rolling I performed. I sold it after only a few weeks. There was an upper midrange glare that made it sound more like a SS preamp than a tube preamp.

BTW, if you aren't committed to having a remote controlled preamp, the Modulus 3A sounds much better than either BAT. It doesn't have all the features and frills, but it's a very good sounding preamp that can be had for a song on the Gon.

Well, since the bat's are getting mixed reviews ..any other suggestions in the $1200. used price range. Since I have never had tube equipment not sure what I expect from them..just thought I'd give them a try. Guess I'm after a slight warming of the sound but still would like clarity of each instrument and a wide soundstage..not asking for much!
thanks again for all the help

Actually, of all the tube preamps I've tried the VK3i best delivered the attributes you're seeking. I was just searching for a preamp that created music with more hips. A belly dancer, as opposed to an aerobics instructor.

Lvk, everything here gets mixed reviews....all the way up to the super-fi gear here. So much comes down to personal preferences and different compromises that each of us takes in our quest for musical enjoyment. So don't discard BAT gear because people here have differing opinions.

If your budget is $1200, you have limited options if you want a tube line stage. In the $1500-2000 range, I would suggest you try to find an ARC LS5 or BAT VK5i. Both of these are a significant cut above the 3i or 30 in terms of resolution and neither has a rolled off top end. They are however fully balanced in the real sense and have no RCA connections. But adaptors could be used with mighty fine results at the start. The Modulus 3A does not at all compete with these units. The only other unit that comes to mind is one of the older Counterpoint 3000 or 5000 which are in your price range and they include very good phono stages as well.

John

have a vk-30 and really, really like it alot.

it needs the best 7308's/6922 you can afford and the best powercord you can afford (the unit is very sensitive to power cords and they will the sound).

I have very good luck with the audience power cords...