Preamplifiers

Solid State

VK-20

A new entry-level solid state preamplifier.  A innovative implementation of BAT's Unistage  design gives the VK-20 stunning transparency with the convenience of an optional plug-in phono module (VK-P3).  You'll appreciate the superb new interface with its unmatched flexibility and ease of use.

VK-40

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The new reference in solid state preamplification.  With massive energy reserves, dual-mono construction and only the finest parts, the VK-40 establishes a benchmark for the reproduction of music that is without peer in solid state design.  The VK-40 breathes life into music in a way formerly only achieved by great tube designs.  A Stereophile Class A product for the past two years.

Tube

VK-3iX

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Balanced Audio Technology is pleased to introduce the all new VK-3iX balanced preamplifier as a replacement for the classic VK-3i series. The VK-3iX is not a simple update to the existing VK-3i, but a completely new design featuring a new industrial design, circuit boards, as well as SIX-PAK™, SUPER-PAK and Special Edition options. The VK-3iX is a dramatic rethinking of an industry classic preamplifier that now incorporates many design aspects from BAT's reference preamplifier line. With the introduction of the VK-3iX, Balanced Audio Technology has not only improved the sonic performance and industrial design of the base model, but offered a powerful mix of often requested options to further enhance the performance of this standard-setting product

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  • Superb Musicality

  • The VK-3iX's design is centered around the ability to preserve subtle musical nuance as well as it conveys musical pace and excitement. The VK-3iX relies upon BAT's tried and true Unistage design to eliminate complex buffer or follower circuits. Vacuum tube current sources remain in the power supply to contribute to the VK-3iX's ability to portray the natural color and emotion of the musical performance. Just as in BAT's reference VK-51SE preamplifier, Vishay resistors are now incorporated into the series-pass element of the shunt volume control to provide a wonderful sense of transparency and top-end extension. The power supply of the VK-3iX delivers a sizeable increase in energy storage to offer a complementary increase in low-end heft and authority. The result is a top-to-bottom improvement in musical clarity and expression. 

  • Gorgeous Aesthetics

  • The front-panel of the VK-3iX now incorporates a similar look and feel to Balanced Audio Technology's reference preamplifier line. The sculpted front panel provides a balanced and graceful appearance to complement the improved internal circuit design. The beautiful simplicity of the original VK-3i's user interface remains for those who prefer a less programmed approach to life. At the same time, the optional remote control remains machined from solid metal. Sculpted, black, and wondrous in its simplicity; Balanced Audio Technology's VK-3iX is in every aspect a truly balanced design. 

  • Powerful Extensibility

  • The VK-3iX offers a wealth of options that allow the customer to tailor their preamplifier order to their individual specification. As before, you can add options for remote control or moving-magnet/moving-coil phono capability. For greater low-end authority, add the same SIX-PAK capacitor option that is incorporated into BAT's reference VK-51SE preamplifier. For still greater dynamic authority, add the SUPER-PAK option to more than double the VK-3iX's power supply energy storage. For the ultimate version, order the VK-3iX SE or Special Edition version. The VK-3iX SE combines BAT's 6H30 SuperTube, SIX-PAK, and SUPER-PAK together in our most affordable Special Edition preamplifier. 

  • VK-3iX Specifications 

    Inputs	Five: 2 XLR's and 3 RCA's
    Outputs	Two: 1 XLR and 1 RCA
    Polarity	Non-Inverting
    Maximum Gain	20dB (17dB for SE version)
    Volume Control Resolution	99 Steps of 0.5dB to 1dB size
    Frequency Response @ Unity Gain	2 Hz to 300 kHz (at -3dB)
    Output Impedance	1 kΩ
    Minimum Power Amp Input Impedance	10 kΩ
    Maximum Output Signal	40 Vrms
    Distortion at 2V Output	0.01%
    Noise (Unweighted)	-100dB
    Tube Complement	4 6922's and 2 6V6's (Standard Version) 2 6H30's and 2 6V6's (SE Version)
    Dimensions	19" x 5.75" x 15.5"
    Weight (Unpacked)	30 lb.

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VK-30

This six-tube design incorporates next-generation Unistage topology, dual-mono construction, custom oil capacitors, and Balanced Audio Technology's new world-class user interface.  Indeed, the VK-30 achieves the same current delivery as the legendary VK-5i to provide captivation musicality and superb authority.

VK-31SE

Balanced Audio Technology is pleased to introduce the VK-31SE, the evolutionary follow-up to our highly regarded VK-30SE preamplifier. The primary goal for the VK-31SE is to bring its performance much closer to that of our groundbreaking VK-50SE preamplifier. While the gain block utilizing the superlative 6H30 SuperTube remains largely unchanged from the VK-30SE, substantial improvements have been made in the power supply of the VK-31SE. It now incorporates a SUPER-PAK that doubles the power supply energy storage from the already exemplary level of the VK-30SE. The VK-31SE power supply now provides over 260 joules of energy storage - a massive amount that would be worthy of many power amplifiers! The result is a noticeable improvement in bass performance for the VK-31SE, both in ultimate heft as well as taut response - bringing it much closer to the definitive performance of our reference class preamplification.

In addition, just as in the newly introduced VK-51SE, oil-capacitors are used for the first time as power supply bypass capacitors. Used in this application, they contribute to a smoother yet more extended high-frequency performance. The sum total of improved bass performance from the SUPER-PAK, combined with a richer portrayal of texture from the paper-in-oil power supply bypass capacitors, continues the BAT tradition of making the VK-31SE the standout preamplifier in its class.

Finally, the VK-31SE sports a fresh new look as first seen in Balanced Audio Technology's stellar VK-300x integrated amplifier. And yes, Balanced Audio Technology delivers an upgrade path for our customers that has earned BAT an enviable reputation in the industry. All VK-30SE's (as well as VK-30's) can be fully upgraded to the VK-31SE. Visit your BAT audio specialist to audition the new VK-31SE, a preamplifier that is beautiful to behold in every way.

VK-51SE

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Balanced Audio Technology is pleased to introduce our newest reference preamplifier in the VK-51SE, an evolutionary follow-up to the industry acclaimed VK-50SE. The VK-51SE makes substantial improvements to its power distribution system with a completely revised SUPER-PAK, that uses oil-capacitors for power supply bypass. These augment an extensive use of film capacitors employed in the same area. The result is a smoother response from top-to-bottom over the already stellar performance of the VK-50SE. Moreover, the power supply energy storage of the VK-51SE is now increased to over 325 joules. This is an almost insane level of energy storage for a preamplifier, but then you'd expect nothing less from BAT in their reference class preamplifier.

The result of these upgrades is that the VK-51SE offers a greater degree of dynamic performance then the standard-setting VK-50SE. Those who've listened to the VK-50SE in a well set-up system will appreciate that this is no small feat.

And yes, the VK-51SE also incorporates the same fresh look that was recently introduced in Balanced Audio Technology’s VK-300x integrated amplifier. Most importantly, all VK-50SE (as well as VK-50) preamplifiers can be fully upgraded to the VK-51SE. If you're a BAT aficionado, you'll want to have the VK-51SE in your system as soon as possible! If you're a skeptic, please compare the sound, industrial design, and user-interface of our special edition preamplifiers to any competitive offering. We're confident that you'll find the VK-51SE a compelling statement of high-end performance and modern audio design!

The VK-51SE recently received stellar reviews in The Absolute Sound magazine.

Specifications:  New User-interface Preamplifiers