Used like new Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-3iX Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Even before it was broken in, the Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-3iX preamplifier sounded so magnificent it was difficult to believe that I was listening to what essentially is an entry level product. But the VK-3iX is only an entry level product in that it is BAT's lowest costing preamplifier. It contains a great deal of sophisticated technology, far greater than the what would normally incorporated into a typical entry level product, and ends up being a relatively inexpensive gateway to the renowned BAT sound. The VK-3iX is probably a loss leader in the vein of the VK-3i it replaces, but it sports internal parts upgrades, cosmetics that make it match BAT's more expensive models, and most importantly, the ability to upgrade the unit to (for lack of any other terms) a super VK-3iX. Internally, the VK-3iX is not a simple update of the older VK-3 but practically a completely new design. It has new circuit boards as well as, again, the significant feature of being able to upgrade the unit. These upgrades include the SUPER PAK, the SIX-PAK, and the special edition (SE). BAT says that even the stock VK-3iX contains many aspects of BAT's reference preamplifier line which includes their Unistage design. BAT goes on to say that they eliminate complex buffer and follower circuits, and the vacuum tube current sources remain in the power supply to contribute to [it's] ability to portray the natural color and emotion of the musical performance. As in their VK-52SE ($10,500 with remote), the unit uses Vishay resistors in the series pass element of the shunt volume control that provides, according to BAT, a wonderful sense of transparency and top-end extension. The power supply of the VK-3iX is very large and is intended to increase the system's low-end heft

For your consideration, is this exceptionally clean and brilliant sounding tube preamplifier from Balanced Audio Technology. It’s true that this is an older design from the company, but that doesn’t take anything away from the sonic merits it exhibits which, in my opinion, are highly relevant even in today’s listening environment. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, I will state that the only reason why I am selling this unit is because I have just finished shooting it out against a VK-51SE (a much higher end model offered by the same company). I have even included a picture of the two units together to corroborate the story. So, while this newer more expensive unit does offer some improvements with soundstage, background and image separation, I have to tell you that the overall differences are not tremendously substantial. This VK3i offers such an incredible value at the price point on the used market today that I would absolutely and totally recommend it to anybody looking for balanced tube pre-amplification. If you do a little bit of research on some of the audiophile forums out there, you will find a lot of people corroborating these claims. Again, there are gains to be made going up the food chain in BAT’s product line, but if you can’t afford to play that game, you are really not going to be missing out on what I would call a “world class” listening experience with the VK3i. So there’s my sales pitch, take it for what it’s worth. I’ve tried a lot of gear… I am by no means an expert, but I’ve spent a lot of time listening to products in the “value class” and the VK3i is an impressive offering to say the least. This particular unit is about as close to mint condition as I can describe. I have rated it a nine due to age, but cosmetically it is quite impressive. The unit functions perfectly. It has a brand new set of Tung Sol 6V6 tubes and a brand new matched quartet of Svetlana 6922s. I don’t think there’s any more than 100 hours on these tubes I have the original owners manual, as well as the original torq case screws. These were swapped out for Phillips units so that one could tube roll a little bit easier. If you have been looking for a superb example of this unit to add to your collection, or to be the cornerstones of your system, I urge you to look no further. This unit did not come with a remote control from the factory. Several months ago, I called the BAT service dept. and asked about getting a remote control working with the preamp. They advised that they no longer sell the chip that you need, but it was easily acquired on Mouser. I bought two of these chips, but never got around to installing either one. Apparently, once the chip is installed, you need to program a generic remote, which I didn’t feel like doing. So, there is no remote, but I will ship the chips to you, so that if you have the desire, you can program a generic remote control. I have pictured the chips. I will make sure that this is absolutely professionally packed and double boxed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Thank you for looking!