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

Matt, I don't totally disagree with your findings, and thank you for better describing "dry".
I do agree that the BAT's strength is power and dynamics, but I'm not sure about the " cold, uninspiring, and no beauty of tone, don’t look for musicality either".
Yes, I will say that the BAT was not as sweet and musical in the midrange as other preamps I have heard (CJ, Cary, McIntosh (as mentioned by stereo5), etc.). However, the BAT's I have owned fell about middle of the pack in the warmth, beauty of tone, musicality viewpoint.
It's all about synergy though. Perhaps I would have had your same BAT impression had I been using cold, analytical cables like Nordost with the BAT like you did.

In the end, the final sound is a combination of the entire system.
Probably the reason you like cables from Nordost and Morrow (which both use silver plated copper which I find to be too thin and cold sounding for my tastes), is because you use very warm components like Dynaudio speakers and McIntosh amps. I'm sure that if I went with warmer components I might have a better appreciation for Nordost cables.

I think we all look for a nice, balanced tone, how we get there may be very different though.

Cheers,
John

A used BAT VK300  has popped up on here for a great price. But I'm trying to figure out if that is worth the cash or should I save some money and get the 3000 SE?  Or wait for a used 300 SE in the same $2200 range.  

Is the 3000 SE worth the extra money over the 300 SE?  Anyone compare the two?

snafujg

I,too, am interested in auditioning the B.A.T. VK-3000SE integrated.
If/when I find a demo, I will post here.

Happy Listening!

John and others. I'm currently running vk-30se with vk-600se and I'm happy with but probably will have an opportunity to upgrade to vk-51se but this cost some money. Question it it that is sonically justifiable ? I'm mean .. will I notice the difference with my JBL L300 speakers?