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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-3I Preamplifier (Tube) by RandyB&W Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here. |
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165.247.29.249
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
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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)
- Nice review, thanks (nt) - Manuel 11:39:32 09/9/03 ( 0)
Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-3I Preamplifier (Tube) - photomensch 08:19:12 09/9/03 ( 13)
- As I said ... - RandyB&W 08:41:54 09/9/03 ( 3)
- 6v6's not even in audio circuit - Ed Sawyer 16:10:27 09/9/03 ( 1)
- Well, they are - Victor Khomenko 16:19:32 09/9/03 ( 0)
- Re: As I said ... - photomensch 11:17:05 09/9/03 ( 0)
Re: Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-3I Preamplifier (Tube) - Victor Khomenko 08:27:31 09/9/03 ( 8)
- So, you'd also recommend the VK-3i over the VK-30? (nt) - photomensch 10:05:48 09/9/03 ( 7)
- Each product answers a particular need - Victor Khomenko 11:08:17 09/9/03 ( 6)
- VK-30 has more taught mid bass...more Randy - Kevin Deal 22:29:42 09/10/03 ( 1)
- Hey, Kevin - RandyB&W 06:59:49 09/11/03 ( 0)
- Re: Each product answers a particular need - chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com 12:17:09 09/9/03 ( 3)
- Geez, sounds like truth ain't gonna get the man far in this world! :-) (nt) - Victor Khomenko 13:39:07 09/9/03 ( 1)
- That just about confirms it then - you've turned 'common Texan guy speak' on me! :0) [nt] - chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com 15:00:05 09/9/03 ( 0)
- As a happy VK-30 user, Mr. K gets my vote - photomensch 12:26:07 09/9/03 ( 0)