Give me a tube preamp that looks and sound great

I would agree with the CJ 17LS I have the step up, the Premier 16LS and now when I go to hear speakers, I am in the upgrade mode, I have to take it with me. CJ's sound is music in a way that other preamps just do not do it for me.

I had and loved a Supratek Syrah and I now have a Herron VTSP1A that I love as well. For me the Supratek gave the music a more emotional, alive feel, but the Herron is much quieter giving more detail with a bit less emotion. Both great preamps.

"I use to own the SP16L. I now own the c-j !7LS Series 2. The SP16L is good hi-fi and the 17LS is music!"

Man, it better be at 3 times the price!

another bargain at that price range is Sonic Frontiers Line 3, throw in some NOS later and you have a world class pre.

Aball,

The two preamps are (not surprisingly) similar; articulate, very slightly rolled off, and throw a wide and deep sound stage. Not terribly tube-finicky, they sound damned good even with the stock tubes BAT provides.

The 30 is more flexible, has a cool display, and really nice remote. In terms of sound qualities I find the 30 is a bit more liquid, little bit better bottom-end, all-in-all somewhat more emotionally involving than the 3i. I could happily live with the 3i, but for the extra money I'd go with a 30.

BAT components are very well designed, quality fit and finish, excellent after sales service, and most importantly very musical. I'm not affiliated with BAT in any way, bought my preamps and BAT VK500 amp used here on the 'Gon. Happy listening, Jeff (artist formerly known as jeffloistarca)