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Best Buy Preamp SF 3SE or BAT50SE

Looking to move to a Tube Pre Amp from SS. I am leaning towards SF Line 3 but I am concerned about some reveiw saying SF preamps sound almost SS. Has anyone had any experence with the SF Line 3se. any comparason between that and BAT 50se. Any recommeded good dealers willing to work on line or good dealers in NY/NJ areas.
lew4
the_lanman
27 posts
 
I recently purchase a SF Line 3 SE and Power 3 from Underwood Wally here on AudiogoN. Suggest you give him a call. I also checked out the BAT 50SE. Nice unit but will probably cost you twice as much as the Line 3 SE. To my ears there was a subtle difference in sound quality and that led me to the SF 3 SE.
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
I tried the SF and the synergy with my equipment was not there. I have found the BAT VK-50SE to be absolutely wonderful. Incredibly quiet, even by solid state standards, with great detail and very deep soundstage. It is also wonderfully musical.

I have had great dealings with Jim at Chambers Audio. He is a straight shooter and will definitely help you out. Tell him Jonathan told you to call him and he will give you his undivided attention. I spend a lot of money with him. His number is (425)454-2279.
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
I find these two to be chalk and cheese. The BAT is a lush tube sound that has a certain seductiveness that many find indispensable (I don't). The SF3 SE is much more neutral overall, but seems to be slightly robbed of life compared with a bypass - this however can probably be compensated for elsewhere in a system. Personally I don't go for the notion of throwing lots of money at a preamp, but that is another story.
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