BAT VK-3i / BAT VK-30 or Herron VTSP-1A pre amp

Hi KennyB,

What does the SF Line 3 do better than the BAT Vk-3i?

Thanks!

I've been the most satisfied with my BAT vk-30. BUT, you need good cables and RFI filters and good power and upgraded tubes to really hear this preamp. I use balanced Jena symphonies and Versalabs wood blocks to get a sound that rivals reality. The Herron is a beautiful sounding preamp, ultimately felt less real to me, more artificially beautiful.

Hey Jim, what tubes have you tried in your VK-30. BTW, I got the phono card in OK, but then found that my TT had gotten trashed while in storage in my basement. Now using my "second" TT, a direct drive Denon. The card works fine and BAT was awesome with respect to assisting with the installation (even tho I had bought the piece used). So Bowlerds, if speed, quality and responsiveness of service is an issue, BAT is beyond excellent. Can't comment on the Herron, but I've been very happy with my 3i sonically as well.

Kw6 asked what the Line 3 does better than the Vk-3i. IMHO the Line 3 is better in some very significant ways. It's more dynamic, more refined, and more extended. It throws a huge soundstage and it has greater resolution of low level detail. I'm hearing many things that I hadn't heard before -- and with considerably more realism. I like the ergonomics of the Line 3 a bit better than BAT's. I can change phase and switch to mono using the remote. The
muting function is neat in that it gradually raises the volume when mute is turned off. I do miss the BAT's volume presets though.

Thank you KennyB!