cary slp-98L vs bat vk3i

My Cary SLP 98L has all the current mods, Jensen caps, hexfeds and is direct coupled. It has Raytheon VT231s in the rear sockets and 1952 Sylvania 6SN7GTs in the front sockets.Powercord is a TG Audio SLVR. It does not sound juicy, tubey or anything but very dynamic and neutral. If I want a touch of juice, I just trade the Sylvanias for RCA VT 231s. Bring on your BAT.

I agree with Claud, the Cary 98 is very neutral and doesn't impart much of a tube flavor. I tried it out on my system when looking for a tubed preamp. I bought another brand because I was looking for more of the tube character. But if you're looking for nuetral and dynamic, I think it's one to consider.

heard a cary 98 in a buddys system and it was pretty good... i think the question is your setup and willingness to tube roll..

if balanced then bat ( a vk30 is a lot better than 3vki - disclosure i have a vk 30 for sale) if rca then i would really look at the cary

I have not owned the Cary, but have owned a BAT VK 30 and was not at all impressed.