Balanced Audio Technology VK-33 Preamplifier Black Reviews

5 Rating 1 Reviews

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909.931.9686

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2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

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“What a great sounding preamp! I have the BAT VK-255SE power amp and this VK-33 preamp is a wonderful match, both aesthetically and sonically. The other preamp I have been using is a Marantz AV 8802 pre/processor. It's wonderful for theater processing and respectable as an audio preamp. However, adding in the BAT VK-33 brings my audio listening pleasure to a far greater level. Dynamic, smooth, airiness, musical warmth, depth of soundstage and imaging, detailed, realism... these are the traits that I was seeking and have been rewarded with so very well with the VK-33 preamp. What a difference this preamp has made for my system, especially for music by phono playback. Engineering and design is phenomenal. The shortest possible signal path, no global feedback, superior parts all the way through. It doesn't get any better than that. Feature wise, it's all that I need; not cluttered, just right. There are a couple of very cool features worthy of note. The remote control device comes in the box so there is no accessory purchase required. BAT does not explain that on their website but rest assured, it is in the box. The remote is an exceptionally well made solid aluminum device, simple in design and to use. So much better than the usual array of clutter on most remote devices. The one touch button "fade" is the greatest single feature on the remote. Rather than a total mute function (which is also provided on the remote) by using the fade function that one-touch will put the preamp into a perfect rate of audio volume decrease, all the way to off. At the end of a LP I simply press that button and go to my turntable to lift the arm. Very easy and very nice. Another great feature on the VK-33 is the ability to make a "fixed" level on any of the inputs. This is best for using my Marantz theater processor to connect through the VK-33. You place the input of choice into a mode that permits creating a fixed level to your main amp & R/L speakers. Once finding the level that suits your theater listening environment with the surround speakers you then set it as a fixed level. From there on, when using the entire theater system, the AV processor remote can then control the volume for everything, including what passes through the VK-33. In all, I now have two systems (2-channel audio and home theater) that function individually or together, as needed. For 2-channel audio my BAT system operates as stand alone. For home theater I use the Marantz processor (plus a multi-channel amp for surround channels) and the main R/L signal passes through the VK-33 to my VK-255SE amp and on to the main R/L speakers. Bad ass!!! So to conclude, the VK-33 is simple yet provides flexibility that truly suits my needs. It operates with ease, and most importantly, it sounds awesome. The VK-33 has made my 2-channel listening experience far better than any other preamp I have ever owned. It is such a pleasure to sit down and listen to a well recorded LP. I just fall into the music and forget about the equipment. Beautiful!”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago