BAT VK-5i or VK30 ??


Hi folks!
Anybody who might have had compare them and would care to
express an opinion on this topic...I'm looking for richness and fullness in low midrange and I understood that both offers it in spades.
Should the cut in tube # and features from 5i to 30 be regarded as economy or technological advance from BAT?
Also, what would be a good price to pay for these models?
Million thanks!
jstones
The absolute sound has a review of the vk30se in the current issue. I have a vk50se, wow. Stereophile did a review of the VK50se and in it compared the 5i to the 50se. It was about a year ago, and if my memory serves me right, they said the 5i was more rich, and pretty close to the 50se at twice the price. You can also upgrade a 5i to a 5se. I wouldn't assume less tubes means much, just a different implementation.

I've seen a few VK50's on here, if your budget will let you strech a little. Then you can upgrade later to a 50se and have the best preamp out there!
There is NO contest, the VK5i is a much better sounding preamp, I've had both. The VK5i is a sleeper bargain. You should be able to find one on Audiogon for around $1700-$1900 depending on age and the build quality is EXCELLENT!
Victor Khomenko himself said the differences are minor at best. I have listened to both. the Vk30 is the better piece, simply from a user interface standpoint. Also, more updateable and a new piece too. Cheaper to retube as well. Check the Audio Asylum (www.audioasylum.com) for more info, search the archives.