I auditioned both the VK 5i and the VK 30 and went with the 30. However, both are excellent. The VK-30 is more versatile in that it can use either balanced or single ended connections, where the 5i is only balanced. The user interface is awesome. You can tailor the parameters of every input (balance, phase, volume, etc.) individually or globally. And the remote is outstanding. I've loved it for the last 2 years with no regrets, and the sound with the VK-200 and Aerial 10Ts is incredible.