Of all the TUBE preamps I've heard and used the two best are the vk30SE and the 50SE. Though I heard them about a month apart, I didn't recall a huge difference between them. I would try upgrading the amp or maybe a cable or source change. If budget allows I would keep the vk30se and buy a set of vk-150SE monoblocks. A world class combination by any measure.
For less cash, I found the vk-30SE and ARC vt100m2 combination to be absolutely wonderful. I preferred it to the sound of the vk60, but not the vk-150SE. Not by a long shot.
I've had both an LS-25, and an LS-5 mk 3 in my system. Both of them were not even in the same building as my vk-5i w/hotrod tubes. I seem to recall that the vk-30SE was better than my vk-5i. Heard them a few months apart.
For less cash, I found the vk-30SE and ARC vt100m2 combination to be absolutely wonderful. I preferred it to the sound of the vk60, but not the vk-150SE. Not by a long shot.
I've had both an LS-25, and an LS-5 mk 3 in my system. Both of them were not even in the same building as my vk-5i w/hotrod tubes. I seem to recall that the vk-30SE was better than my vk-5i. Heard them a few months apart.