BAT 31SE vs. 51SE

I had a 51SE and Tom Evans Groove phono. I upgraded to the Steelhead hoping that I would not need my pre-amp (Steelhead has a volume control and 1 line input). The Steelhead sounded appreciably better going straight into my amp vs going to the 51SE. No loss in dynamics and nice gains in purity and transparency.

In any case you will not be dissapointed with either VK-31SE or VK-51SE.
The performance of the VK-51SE is in one word tremendous.
The run in period has taken longer than i thought, still better marginally with every month of listening.
I too discovered that power up and down is the best way to get them loosen up. long term burn in is mandatory with BAT.
After some 20 years of audiophile career with great preamps owned and listened too, my VK-51SE and VK-P10SE Superpack leaves nothing too desire.
The BAT's have great performance with pure silver cables, i use Kondo KSL throughout my gear even AC cables. very recommended.
VK-75SE is on it's way !

Well, seems like there is a consensus on the 51SE.

I was afraid of that. Guess I'll have to save a few more pennies!

And yes, before the integrated I too had a 31SE that I found superior to the 50SE.