BAT or Sonic Frontiers w/ Martin Logans?


OK, I need to "warm up" my Martin Logan SL-3's with a tube amp for under $1500 (Driven by Sunfire amp). The two finalists are the BAT VK 3i and the Sonic Frontiers Line 1. Can anyone make recomendations one way or another? If any Martin Logan owners can share experiences I would appreciate it. I live over an hour away from any hi-fi stores so your input will save me lots of time.
wsmatau
I have a pair of Martin Logan Sequel II speakers with Sonic Frontiers Line 1 and Power 1 amplification. I auditioned the BAT VK 3i and the Sonic Frontiers Line 1. Both units offer excellant quality, good value, and similiar prices and sound quality. After all of my searching for a tube preamp, my choices were between the BAT and the SF. I was in a quandry when it came time to purchase. Ultimately, my decision was made when I purchased a dealer's demo unit at an excellant price. I think you'll be happy with either one. Good luck!
A Line 1 isn't going to add a great deal of warmth. Even with NOS tubes mine is still pretty neutral sounding. I have no knowledge of the BAT, but will suggest adding Audible Illusions and Cary to your review list if "warmth" is the goal.
I have Martin Logasn Quests that I run with an Audible Illusions Model 3 preamp and a McCormack DNA-1 with SMc Audio's Level A+ mods. Interconnects are Sysnergistic Research. mSpeakers are bi-wired with Kimber 8g. I get great warmth, but incredible imaging and detail as well. I second the recomendation to take a look at Audible Illusions.
I'm using an Audio Research SP14 preamp with (2) Classe DR8 amps, makes the Quests sing real nice...
I'm currently using a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 and Conrad Johnson MF2200 amp with aerius speakers. Yes, the Line 2 is not going to add "tube warmth" but this combo is very neutral and detailed. Especially musical using balanced outputs.