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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-3I Preamplifier (Tube) by RandyB&W

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REVIEW: Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-3I Preamplifier (Tube)

165.247.29.249


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Model: VK-3I
Category: Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price: $2500(With Remote Option)
Description: Fully Balanced All Tube Preamplifier
Manufacturer URL: Balanced Audio Technology (BAT)
Manufacturer URL: Balanced Audio Technology (BAT)

Review by RandyB&W ( A ) on September 08, 2003 at 17:17:27
IP Address: 165.247.29.249
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for the VK-3I


As a preliminary matter, let me say that I love this pre-amp. Its sound is natural and engaging without being syrupy. 3D imaging is amazing and soundstage is wide and deep. First thing you must do is swap out the stock Sovtek 6922 tubes. This is essential if you want to really hear what the VK-3i can do. Now, I did some tube rolling with Amperex, Siemens, etc., and wasn't particularly satisfied soundwise or costwise. I settled on the NOS Sovtek 6H23-EBs and Visseaux 6v6GTs from Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio (reasonably priced). WHAT an improvement over the stock tubes! I much preferred the sound of the VK-3i to that of the VK-5i(discontinued) and VK-30. The 5i had a tad more resolution but it was so incremental that it didn't justify the price differential. Also, the 5i has no single ended imputs. As for the VK-30, I found it to be a bit lean and just not as much fun to listen to as the VK-3i (maybe it has something to do with those guitar amp 6v6GTs). This is one sweet pre-amp.


Product Weakness: None.
Product Strengths: See review.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Musical Fidelity A300cr
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): BAT VK-3i
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista CD, Magnum Dynalab MD-102, Nakamichi DR-8 Tape Deck
Speakers: B&W Nautilus 804 on Sound Anchors Stands
Cables/Interconnects: Cardas Golden Reference ICs, Neutral Reference Speaker Cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock, blues, jazz
Room Comments/Treatments: n/a
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): PS Audio HC Ultimate Outlet/PS Audio Juice Bar/Harmonic Tech Fantasy AC 10 and Pro AC-11 Power Cords
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): n/a




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Topic - REVIEW: Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-3I Preamplifier (Tube) - RandyB&W 17:17:27 09/8/03 ( 15)