BAT VK-3i / BAT VK-30 or Herron VTSP-1A pre amp

Another one to consider is the new AE-3 DJH edition. I just ordered mine Friday and am looking forward to it. From Upscale Audio's website information and talking with Dennis at AES, it sounds like it sound be quite the preamp for $1200.

I would imagine that the Herron would be quite a big step up from the VK-3i in terms of sound quality. Both BATs though offer a remote and are more full featured.

I just upgraded from a BAT VK-3i to a Sonic Frontiers Line 3, which I picked up for a great price from Kevin at Upscale Audio. The Line 3 is quite a bit better than the VK-3i and it's a steal at the price Kevin is selling it for.

Well, I'll pitch in and say that I'm a BAT fan.

I have the VK-3i and it's my favorite piece of gear. It just has that bombproof Russian thing going!

You can turn the preamp on or off while the power amp is connected and not suffer the pops and bangs you usually get.

You have your choice of balanced and unbalanced connections so you keep your options open for the future.

The digital volume readout is way cool and makes it easy to return to a setting once you decide where you like it.

If you want to get frisky you can roll some tubes to change things around a bit.

I will avoid the usual "my preamp beats your preamp" drivel you so often find on the boards. I have not heard 30 different high-end preamps in my system so I can't possibly know how the 3i compares to all of them.

I will say I am totally satisfied with the 3i. So much so that I bought a VK-60 amp to go with it! That says everything there is to say.

Good luck in your choice and I hope everything exceeds your expectations!