Tube preamp for under $3000

I love the 250.5 and really would like to hear how it sounds with a tube front end. Anyone have an opinion on BAT preamps? There is a VK 51 se and VK 5i listed now.

You can sometimes find an Atma-Sphere MP-3 used for that price range.

Pal,
I've got a VK51SE and am impressed with its sound, build quality and ergonomic design. Honestly I never prioritized remote, but having full control with a quality hefty remote is a plus I can't deny.

Having paired it with lots of gear and compared it to many preamps, it's hard to beat at current price. You can see all the other preamps I've owned listed on my system page, some of which are mentioned in this thread. Feel free to contact me by PM if you'd like more specifics. Cheers,
Spencer

Vincent SA-T8.

Tube pre-amp. Fully balanced. Remote.

Dynamic, transparent, superb dimensionality, massive soundstage, fast transients, has great ability to draw you into the music.

Own 4 pre-amps and heard many more. Competes with pre-amps many times it's cost.

Read Dick Olsher's review in Absolute sound, says it all,"An absolute steal at it's asking price."Nothing else at this price point comes close".

BAT is the worst sounding......Dry, unemotional, and very forgettable highs. On the other hand (and I'm speaking of the 6H30 based BAT's) the BAT has great solid bass and of course they are built like a battleship and the remote could be used as a weapon.