Stereophile looks at the "entry level" preamp/amp combo from Balanced Audio Technology. Balanced means balanced - only XLR connections in the back of the stereo VK-55 amplifier. Combined with all kinds of unique technology, BAT is right on bleeding-edge of tube amplification.

"[The system] just seemed right, with no specific aspect of the sound drawing undue attention to itself, and no indication that anything important was being omitted. The sound was...well, balanced..."

BAT also pulls off the vanishingly quiet trick -- put your ear up to the speakers and you won't hear a thing. The VK-3ix preamplifier clocks in at $2495 without the optional $500 remote control. The VK-55 amp runs $3995 and cranks out 55 stereo watts. Also check out The Absolute Sound's review of the Balanced combo for more glowing comments.

Balanced Audio Technology Vk-3iX and VK-55 Review [Stereophile]
Balanced Audio Technology Vk-3iX and VK-55 Review [The Absolute Sound]

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