I find these two to be chalk and cheese. The BAT is a lush tube sound that has a certain seductiveness that many find indispensable (I don't). The SF3 SE is much more neutral overall, but seems to be slightly robbed of life compared with a bypass - this however can probably be compensated for elsewhere in a system. Personally I don't go for the notion of throwing lots of money at a preamp, but that is another story.
Best Buy Preamp SF 3SE or BAT50SE
Looking to move to a Tube Pre Amp from SS. I am leaning towards SF Line 3 but I am concerned about some reveiw saying SF preamps sound almost SS. Has anyone had any experence with the SF Line 3se. any comparason between that and BAT 50se. Any recommeded good dealers willing to work on line or good dealers in NY/NJ areas.