Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) Preamplifiers

Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) preamplifiers are available for demo and purchase at our expansive showroom. For more information or questions, call the shop at (619) 223-8151

Preamplifiers > Balanced Audio Technology

REX 3 Preamplifier

The culmination of 25 years of engineering excellence from Balanced Audio Technology, the fully balanced REX 3 preamplifier represents the pinnacle of the company’s purist approach to creating an audio control center without peer. Featuring a stunning new industrial look that complements its internal circuit improvements, the 18-tube REX 3 provides the greatest levels of transparency and musicality of any preamplifier in BAT’s renowned history.

Comprised of a vacuum-tube power module and separate control module, the groundbreaking two-box component features second-generation amorphous-core output transformers wound with Cardas Audio’s finest OFC wire. Equally remarkable, the 10-tube REX power module incorporates additional oil-filled capacitors in an enhanced SuperPak assembly. Sonically, these critical additions offer finer dynamics, clarity, and top-to-bottom extension when compared to the already stellar previous REX generation. The easy-to-use REX 3 also boasts an incredible user interface and plenty of customizable options. And with the REX 3’s proprietary electronic shunt volume attenuator, you can always get the volume just right.

VK-90 Preamplifier

Second-Generation Transformer-Coupled Outputs Provide Exceptional Purity

Featuring transformer-coupled, high-current, single-gain stage topology, VK-90 is the finest single-chassis preamplifier ever created by Balanced Audio Technology. Wound with Cardas’ finest copper wire, the second-generation transformer-coupled outputs catapult the performance of this fully balanced, zero-feedback design to a reference level. Each transformer comes encapsulated within a mu-metal shield for the ultimate in signal purity and noise isolation. Electrically, these second-generation transformers improve VK-90’s ability to drive low-impedance loads. Sonically, they offer greater transparency than the already revered performance established by BAT’s first-generation transformer design.

VK-85 Preamplifier

Introduced simultaneously with the REX 300 power amplifier, the Balanced Audio Technology VK-85 preamplifier blurs the lines between the finest tube and solid-state sound. VK-85 features BAT’s trademark high-current Unistage topology with transformer-coupled outputs that anchor the full line of Balanced Audio Technology’s preamplifiers. VK-85’s second-generation output transformers work in conjunction with a symmetrical N-channel Unistage gain block to provide the high-current operation that is a BAT hallmark. A revised connection scheme for the SuperPak Quattro technology used in REX 300 offers beguiling levels of musical finesse and textural beauty.

SuperPak Quattro

The revised power supply of VK-85 incorporates the same fourth-generation SuperPak used in REX 300. In addition to providing four levels of filtration, it is connected in a new manner that dramatically lowers the preamplifier’s overall noise floor. The parts used in SuperPak Quattro include premium silver foil/oil capacitors that improve harmonic accuracy — and go far beyond the red chiclet-style caps found in most power supply bypass designs.

VK-80 Preamplifier

The VK-80 preamplifier features the same technology as the no-holds-barred REX 3 preamp, scaled down to a one-box chassis. Inside you’ll find a quad of 6H30 SuperTubes, the Gen3 SuperPak with the world’s finest capacitors, dual-mono toroidal transformers, and our Gen2 Transformer Coupled Outputs.

The VK-80 is comfortable in any system, at any price point, and should be on your short list before spending more. All you need to do is listen.

Flexible Interface and Optional MM/MC Phono Module

The graceful architecture is complemented by a powerful, easy-to-use customer interface. You can dim the display from the comfort of your chair by using the BAT remote. Fade music at the touch of a button. Switch phase to see if a recording is made in reverse absolute polarity. Even name your sources. For example, name your home-theater playback input “THTR.” Then, fix the volume for your THTR input to control your home-theater system from your pre/pro remote. Love analog? Simply order your VK-80 with BAT’s VK-P3 phono card, which provides switch-selectable moving-magnet and moving-coil gain settings.