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BAT VK-30 vs. VK-5i

Both of these pre-amps are available in the used range for the same money. How does their sound compare? Currently I do not have a pre-amp in my system, I plan on staying with BAT amps for some time. My Benchmark has balanced outputs so I have no real need for RCA inputs. I listen to Rock music exclusively & would like a remote control.
fishwater
3 responses Add your response
bigkidz
3,386 posts
 
The 5i is a warmer, more musical sounding preamp then the 30. The 30 is slightly clearer sounding and slightly more dynamic.

Happy Listening.
fishwater OP
178 posts
 
So maybe the 30 with my VK60 then?
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,150 posts
 
I have never heard the 5i, but owned a VK-30 and 3i. Of the two I would give the nod to the 3i. I could not warm up at all to the VK-30. I won it on a contest at the Audio Revolution website and foolishly sold my 3i before it arrived. I only kept it a couple of months before moving it on. There was an upper midrange glare that rode along with the music that was very irritating, no matter what tubes I rolled in it. YMMV.

Oz
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