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Sonic frontiers Line 3? vs. BAT?

Wnated to hear from any satisfied (or not) owners of the Sonic Frontiers Line 3, and especially from anyone who might have auditioned it vs. a BAT VK%i or VK%iSE. I own onw of the latter anbd, though I love the sound, the ergonomocs and remote contrl functionality leave a bit to be desired. If I could, I would upgrade to the VK50SE without a blink..but that'll have to wait a while. In the meantime, I see a lot Line 3 on sale, brand new for very reasonable prices. Since the Line 3 has the ergonomics and functionality in the remote I am looking for, considering selling my BAT and buying one. Would appreciate any inputs. Auditioning is, as usual, out of the question since I live in the Cinti wasteland (as far as hi fi goes, anyway)
alexc
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
My recommendation is to stick with the BAT. Upgrade to the VK50SE when you can and avoid the SF Line 3. I did not like it at all in my system. I found it lifeless. The BAT equipment is as good as anything I have heard.

I listened to so many preamps (cost no object) in my system and the BAT was the best overall product. I would also recommend the ARC Ref2 over the SF3 as well.
adrian4r
10 posts
 
I have compared the Bat equipment (preamp) to the SF Line 3 and chose the SF Line 3. The sound is definetly "neutral", a favorite of mine. I also like the separate power supply and find that the build quality is exceptional. I did replace two (2) of the stock 6922's w/ Amperex Jan 7308's, made a world of difference.
darrell's avatar
darrell
70 posts
 
The BAT VK5i pulls it out and wizzes all over the SF 3!!!!! The BAT is where it's AT!!!!
deano
77 posts
 
I love my Sonic Frontiers. It adds absolutely nothing to the sound of my system-exactly what I want.
shockg
9 posts
 
I auditioned the line 2 and the BAT VK5i and preferred the line 2 because of it's neutrality and overall presentation. I then traded the line 2 for a line 3 and love it. It does exactly what I want it to do; get out of the way of the music. The cute little hockey puck remote is a bonus. My line 3 is feeding a SS amp if that helps you at all. You can't go wrong waiting to buy a 50se.
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