Opinions: Used BAT VK-51SE or New VK-23SE


Looking for any BAT owners out there that would have an opinion on which piece I should go with.  I can get a used VK-51SE for slightly less than a new VK-23SE.  The 51 is from ~2003 if my google searches were correct.  The 23 is obviously newer which means newer technology.  But that 51 was their top dog back in the day and all the reviews I can find rave about it.  The 51 is factory refurbished as well.

I'm leaning towards the 51, but would appreciate any thoughts BAT owners would have.  
snafujg
$3,025 for "Factory Re-certified; Warranty" is too much? Why?
BTW, Has a MM phono board installed...
My recommendation would be to get a BAT VK-300SE (plentiful in the $2000 range)

That's why. $3025 is about 50% more than the going rate for one of these units. Now if you want to pay 50% more for a certification and/or MM phono stage, that's fine.

BTW, if you go to the TMR website you can find the same unit for $2824.
But feel free to pay more, some have no problem spending more for the same. ;^)
jmcgrogan2, The OP asked for opinions on the BAT pre amp, I guess I should clarify what I meant when I used the term "dry" when describing the BAT sound. Of all the pre amps I have listened to and purchased and re sold, it was the BAT that was cold, uninspiring, and no beauty of tone, don’t look for musicality either....Sure there was great bass and dynamics but with enhanced mid range and no high frequency extension what so ever. 

P.S. I’m sure using a BAT power amp would change a lot of this for the better, but thats not what the OP is going to experience and nor did I. Also, I use Nordost SPM these were used by many back in the day for their transparency with natural and proper (sound staging, instrument placement ect...) sound. Cardas has to be some of the most colored cables ive heard ( to give you an idea where my ears are at) and Analysis Plus cables have accentuated bass and are very colored to me. Kimber Kable is very neutral in my system and sounds very good, Audioquest also. MIT’s sound beautiful but dynamics and leading edge attacks suffer, for this reason I use the Nordost with Morrow because they pair well, otherwise I might be using all MIT’s.

Matt M