£9,995
VK-80 Tube Preamplifier
The VK-80 preamplifier features Balanced Audio Technology’s all-new, third-generation SuperPak in its power supply.
The design represents a significant rethinking of what is possible from an energy storage device. For the first time, the BAT SuperPak features hybrid construction that incorporates two capacitors built and potted into each individual shell.
An additional silver-in-oil capacitor—arguably the finest-quality capacitor offered at any price in the industry—is used as part of the Gen 3’s construction. The two capacitors are then assembled into a new low-resonance shell. The result: Low-level detail is revealed in a clear and unforced manner, while the overall sound takes on a beguiling sweetness and naturalness from top to bottom.
Specifications
Power SupplyThird generation SuperPak: 4x50uF with internal silver/oil hybrid construction
Silver gold oil bypass caps
Signal PathUnistage design with only one gain block and no capacitors in signal path
OutputSecond generation output transformers with Cardas OFC wiring
Global FeedbackNone
Inputs2x XLR + 3x RCA
Outputs - Main1x XLR + 1x RCA
Outputs - Tape1x RCA
Maximum Gain18dB
Volume Control Resolution0.5dB
Volume Control Number of Steps140
Frequency Response2Hz to 200kHz
Input Impedance (minimum)100kΩ
Output Impedance300Ω
Noise (unweighted)-96dB
Distortion at 2V output0.005%
Maximum Output Signal30V
Absolute PolaritySwitchable
Power Consumption150VA
Tube Complement4x 6H30, 2x 6C19
Dimensions19" x 5.75" x 15.5"
Weight40lb.