-40%

Balanced Audio Technology VK-3ix tube pre-amp with new Cryo'd tubes

$ 792.0

  • Brand: Balanced Audio Technology
  • Color: Black
  • Features: Analog
  • Model: VK-3IX
  • Number of Channels: 2
  • Number of Inputs: 5
  • Number of Outputs: 2
  • Type: Tube Amplifier

Description

Balanced Audio Technology VK-3ix Balanced stereo preamp with new Cryo’d tubes. BAT is high end sound and awesome build quality. Per Victor Khomenko, the founder, this model can still be serviced/upgraded (" Duo-Pak using Mundorf capacitors.") if you're ever interested. I bought from The Music Room (www.tmraudio.com) in November 2023 for $1567, plus tax and shipping (receipt shown in images). All functional but the /old tubes started to distort after a month of my listening. So I bought top of the line new old stock Cryo’d tubes from Upscale Audio in December, see image for order confirmation, tube models and costs ($684.66), they have < 200 hours on them, and the unit is powered off when not in use and protected/filtered by a Puritan appliance. Sounds fantastic. No audible issues. Slight wear marks as shown on top, but the face and knobs are great looking. Very well reviewed: w.w.w. enjoythemusic (dotcom) /magazine/equipment/1008/bat_vk_3ix.htm and w.w.w .stereophile (dotcom) /tubepreamps/1105bat/index.html as you'd expect from a class-A tube amp, 2nd order harm.distortion I am selling because I want to upgrade my DAC and my crop of choices include pre-amp functionality, so no need for a dedicated pre-amp. I run into this unit balanced (XLR) from 2 sources- there are 5 analog inputs, 2: XLR and 3: RCA as shown in the rear pic. And I use both balanced (XLR) and single ended (RCA) outputs at the same time - which are variable/volume controlled, not just a 'tape out', as such: the XLR to my main amplifier and RCAs to my subs. (your sub needs it's own crossover). This unit does not have a phono preamp, but if you do/your turntable does, just use one of the 3 RCA inputs. Only downside: no remote. I checked with Viktor of BAT and this s/n didn’t come with the remote module inside. Sound wise- better bass and imaging than the Bryston it replaced- again no sound issues. I have original box. I prefer a local face to face sale. Shipping costs will be added to sales price if shipped, after paypal/venmo is received. I am willing to let you hear it in my system if you show your self to be non sus. and you're near DC.