I haven't heard the Bat preamp, but I'm an original owner of the ARC-REF3. My system is very musical, three dimensional and has a "reach out and touch it" quality. Even though ARC upgraded to the REF-5, and then the REF5se, I felt no need to make the upgrade. I run the preamp in the balanced mode using Audio Research ICs. I've kept after tube replacements and have recently upgraded the fuse to a SR Red fuse. After the first of the year, I'll be getting a new REF-6 ... but until then, the REF-3 plays on. Bottom line: keep fresh tubes in the preamp, use good cables and change out the fuse ... then be amazed/
Audio Research Ref 3 vs BAT VK51 SE
I have narrowed my search for a preamp down to these 2 preamps. Has anyone listened to both and have an opinion? I have a Pass 250.5, and Ascendo C8 Renaissance speakers.