Stunning BAT VK-3500 amp takes fidelity to another level

Balanced Audio Technology’s hybrid VK-3500 integrated amplifier is now available in the UK via Karma-AV. The VK-3500 is distinguished by an all-aluminium design, first seen on BAT’s flagship REX 3 systems. Even the remote control is cast from machined-aluminium.

The high-end amplifier uses the same 6H30 SuperTube Unistage found in the brand’s flagship REX 3 preamplifier, with a solid-state power section delivering 150 watts per channel (into 8-ohms).

Inputs include two balanced XLRs and three single-ended RCA phonos, while RCA and high-performance balanced vacuum-tube preamplifier outputs will feed an amplifier in a second room.

An integrated phono module, designed by Victor Khomenko, accommodates both moving-magnet and low-output moving-coil cartridges.

Key features include a high Current 6H30 Super Tube Unistage Design, fully symmetrical wide-bandwidth bi-polar design and second generation Silver/Gold/Oil signal capacitors.

Non-oil capacitors can initially make music sound more exciting, but the excitation comes from ‘ringing’ artifacts, says the company. Oil provides proper damping to the capacitor so that the signal passing through it does not ring, delivering more organic, natural sounding music reproduction.

Operating out of Wilmington, Delaware, Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) specialises in high-end vacuum tube and solid-state audio products, including preamplifiers, phono stages and amplifiers.

Available in silver or black, the VK-3500 will sell for £12,995 when it ships in June. Integrators should contact distributor Karma AV for more.