BAT VK-3500: hybrid amplifier with balanced circuitry
Balanced Audio Technology introduced the VK-3500 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier. The novelty is built according to the principle most widespread among “hybrids” – the SuperTube Unistage tube preamplifier is combined here with transistor output stages that develop up to 150 watts when operating on a load with a nominal resistance of 8 ohms. For speakers with a resistance of 4 ohms, the amplifier can deliver up to 300 watts.
The pre-amplification stages are implemented here on the 6H30 dual triodes used in the flagship pre-amplifier from REX 3, and operate without feedback. The output stage of the VK-3500 employs a symmetrical zero-feedback bipolar transistor circuit capable of providing high amperage as well as wide bandwidth.
The BAT VK-3500’s switching arsenal includes two balanced (XLR) and three unbalanced (RCA) inputs, as well as a line level unbalanced output on RCA connectors and a balanced pre-amplifier output on XLR. There is also a built-in phono stage for working with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) heads.
The BAT VK-3500 Integrated Amplifier is housed in a solid aluminum case and comes with an equally serious aluminum remote control. The novelty is offered in a silver or black finish. The amplifier should appear on sale in June. In the UK, the BAT VK-3500 will be available for £12,995.