BAT VK-5i or VK30 ??

The absolute sound has a review of the vk30se in the current issue. I have a vk50se, wow. Stereophile did a review of the VK50se and in it compared the 5i to the 50se. It was about a year ago, and if my memory serves me right, they said the 5i was more rich, and pretty close to the 50se at twice the price. You can also upgrade a 5i to a 5se. I wouldn't assume less tubes means much, just a different implementation.

I've seen a few VK50's on here, if your budget will let you strech a little. Then you can upgrade later to a 50se and have the best preamp out there!

There is NO contest, the VK5i is a much better sounding preamp, I've had both. The VK5i is a sleeper bargain. You should be able to find one on Audiogon for around $1700-$1900 depending on age and the build quality is EXCELLENT!

Thanks guys!
You've enlightened me on the subject.

Victor Khomenko himself said the differences are minor at best. I have listened to both. the Vk30 is the better piece, simply from a user interface standpoint. Also, more updateable and a new piece too. Cheaper to retube as well. Check the Audio Asylum (www.audioasylum.com) for more info, search the archives.

I auditioned both the VK 5i and the VK 30 and went with the 30. However, both are excellent. The VK-30 is more versatile in that it can use either balanced or single ended connections, where the 5i is only balanced. The user interface is awesome. You can tailor the parameters of every input (balance, phase, volume, etc.) individually or globally. And the remote is outstanding. I've loved it for the last 2 years with no regrets, and the sound with the VK-200 and Aerial 10Ts is incredible.