Balanced Audio Technology VK-3500 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

BALANCED AUDIO TECHNOLOGY VK-3500 HYBRID INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER LAUNCHED IN THE UK

The Balanced Audio Technology VK-3500 Hybrid integrated amplifier celebrates over 25 years of the American brand. The BAT VK-3500 marries a ‘SuperTube Unistage’ preamplifier with a solid-state power section generating150 watts per channel into 8-ohm loads, doubling into 4-ohm loads.

6H30 ‘SUPERTUBE UNISTAGE’ PREAMPLIFIER

Exemplifying Balanced Audio Technology’s“direct wire with gain” approach to circuit design, and as per the reference 6H30 SuperTube Unistage used in the flagship REX 3 preamplifier, the signal is transmitted through only one gain stage with zero feedback. The VK-3500’s revised preamp topology uses 2nd generation oil capacitors.

The Balanced Audio Technology VK-3500 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

The VK-3500’s output stage employs a zero-feedback symmetrical bipolar design that complements the 6H30 tube-based preamplifier by providing high current capability as well as wide bandwidth.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

From the machined aluminium remote control, a programmable user interface provides for one-touch source/polarity switching and volume control. The integrated phono module accommodates both moving-magnet and low-output moving-coil cartridges. Inputs include two balanced (XLR) and three single-ended (RCA), while RCA and high-performance balanced vacuum-tube preamplifier outputs will feed an amplifier in a second room. The VK-3500 features the industrial all-aluminium design pioneered by BAT’s flagship REX 3 systems while its circuitry and build mirror the quality found across BAT’s flagship product line-up.