BAT preamp owners

I own a VK3i (office system) and a VK30 (main system). It's worth mentioning that the two preamps are not priced the same, so to some degreee it'll depend on your budget.

The two preamps are quite different; the 3i has four 6DJ8/6922 tubes while the 30 has six, although both preamps have remote controls the 3i is limited to volume only while the 30 also switches inputs, and of course they look quite different. When you pop the hood it's clear there are more (and better) parts used in the 30 than the 3i.

In terms of sound the two do have a "family" resemblance that is BAT's signature sound. Smooth, very slightly rolled off, non-fatiguing presentation and great imaging. Both preamps benefit from tube-rolling and are quite sensitive to interconnect (power cords don't seem to make a lot of difference). I find the 30 has better control of the bottom end and has a wider/deeper soundstage than the 3i; the differences are quite obvious but both units are terrific products in their own right. If you have the budget, buy the 30 but you won't be disappointed in the 3i if you choose to go that route. Click on my System for a feel for the associated equipment I'm using. Best, Jeff

Thanks for the info, may have to pinch a few pennies for awhile and go for the newer 30. help ...greatly appreciated, Larry

The BAT preamps I have owned, 3, had a character that was more solid state than tubes.

I used to own a VK3i as well. I agree with Jbello in that it sounded less tubey than other tube preamps I've owned. I think some of that can be attributed to the 6922 tubes. This is neither good nor bad, it just depends on what sonic character you're looking for in a tube preamp.

Years ago I owned a 3i and won a contest on the Audio Revelation website in which the prize was a brand new VK-30. I was so excited about the new preamp that I committed the audiophile sin of selling my old component before the new one arrived. Big mistake. I never could get the 30 to sound as good as the 3i no matter what amount of tweaking and tube rolling I performed. I sold it after only a few weeks. There was an upper midrange glare that made it sound more like a SS preamp than a tube preamp.

BTW, if you aren't committed to having a remote controlled preamp, the Modulus 3A sounds much better than either BAT. It doesn't have all the features and frills, but it's a very good sounding preamp that can be had for a song on the Gon.