Preamp choices:Short list


Ok so I want to transition to a truly balanced system. My current components are single ended only. I have 3 choices of pre's: BAT vk-42SE, BAT vk-23SE or Rogue RP-7. Are there any clear front runners? (Note the 42SE is older, carries risk of servicing?). Thanks
jimbones
I had a Rogue RP 5 and it is the single ended version of your preamp., plus a phono stage.  I found it to be very good sounding.
@russ69 , I currently have a 20 ft RCA and get noise. I'd like to get to a fully balanced system. My DAC and mu phonostage are balanced as well
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/benchmark-media-systems-la4-line-amplifier-and-dac3-b-dac

This is an incredible BALANCED preamp (read the TAS review from 3 weeks ago). It will not alter your signal with "enhancements" that a lot of people like. Sounds like your DAC, phono, and speakers (and maybe wires) can add the tone and leave the preamp with no signal enhancements.

I owned the BAT 42VK-SE it is not as good as the 1/3 the price LA4 or HPA4 refereed in the links above. BTW - Vicktor at BAT will always service those units or maybe the guys that bought BAT.

Some interesting info on Balanced vs Unbalanced
https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/application_notes/balanced-vs-unbalanced-analog-interfaces



not not sure of budget but being single ended, which some prefer, i’d look at the cj art that just came up. won’t last long. it’s among the best ever. 
in ss i think that the ml 523 would be exceptional given my experience with a 326s. it was really good in my system and should have kept it.
you can find a used 523 for under 9k at times.
fwiw