Balanced Audio Technology VK-3i Tube Linestage Preamplifier.
Remote control capable.
Works and sounds great and nice overall condition.
Summing up the facts of the BAT VK-3i, it is a preamp that has a very slightly dark presentation, with superb textural and harmonic abilities.
It goes nicely deep and with excellent definition.
It breathes naturally, and while it has good punch, it lacks the last little bit of visceral slam.
The stage is wide and very deep, but more important, it feels natural and has seamless layering.
As for clarity, while on the dark side and short of the very best preamps I’ve heard, the VK-3i, due to its natural presentation, never misses information.
When I changed amps, I heard the differences.
When I changed sources, I heard the new source.
When I changed wire, I heard wire changes.
Actually, in this area, the VK-3i outperformed the Audible Illusions L-1, which seemed to speak with a slightly audible brightening regardless of partnering equipment.
This preamp is a real find.
For a component in this price class, performance at this level and with such an even balance is remarkable.
In the months it has sat in my system I never once felt it was holding the rig back.
And in case you can’t read between the lines, this sweetie stands as my personal sub-$3000 reference, where I expect it to stay for a long, long time.
At this price you can get better detail, or a more pleasing, euphonic sound, but there is simply not a more balanced preamp that I know of for anywhere near the VK-3i’s price.
I can see the VK-3i as the control center of true high-end systems where each component costs more than it.
In short, the BAT VK-3i is an affordable classic if I’ve ever heard one.
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