Balanced Audio Techn. VK-3-I Brochure

Balanced Line Preamplifier

VK

-

Balanced design

3

i

A work that aspires,

however humbly, to

the condition of art

should carry its

justification in every

line.

—Joseph Conrad

Sonic purity

Remarkable versatility

Emotional involvement

VK-3i

Optional VK-P3
phono card

The Balanced Audio Technology VK-3i offers an unmatched
combination of performance and versatility in a fully balanced line
stage. This six-tube zero-feedback design features vacuum-tube
current regulation, a sophisticated electronic shunt volume control,
custom encapsulated oil-filled signal capacitors, and the same
Unistage™ circuit topology used throughout the BAT series of line
stage preamplifiers.

Balanced design

The VK-3i is a fully balanced design from input to output. Com­peting units often simply add XLR jacks to a single-ended internal
circuit. The benefits of fully differential signal handling are lost in
such designs. The VK-3i ’s purist approach to balanced signal
transmission preserves the performance benefits of truly balanced
source components and power amplifiers. Yet it is fully compatible
with single-ended systems.

Sonic purity

The VK-3i’s Unistage™ design employs a single gain stage to
amplify the signal. The stage-to-stage coupling distortions inherent
in complex buffer or follower circuits are eliminated altogether.
This single-stage design works together with the VK-3i’s shunt
volume control and custom oil-filled signal capacitors to convey the
pace, excitement, and nuance of a fine recording.

Remarkable versatility

Not only does the VK-3i offer sonic performance previously unat­tainable at this price, it also offers unmatched versatility to meet a
wide variety of system needs. The back-panel of the VK-3i now
offers RCA as well as XLR inputs and outputs. The optional remote
control provides superb convenience and is housed in the same
machined-case as provided with the reference VK-5i. Finally, an
optional plug-in VK-P3 phono module offers both moving-magnet
as well as moving-coil capability. Altogether, they make the VK-3i a
superbly flexible system control center.

Emotional involvement

Whether used with solid-state or vacuum-tube power amplifiers,
balanced or single-ended sources, digital or analog recordings,
the VK-3i imparts a special magic to the reproduction of music. It
provides a direct emotional connection to the performance.
Whatever your system, we encourage you to visit your BAT audio
specialist and experience this magic for yourself.

VK-3i Specifications

Inputs:

2 XLR line-level inputs
3 RCA line level inputs

Outputs:

1 XLR output (main)
2 RCA outputs (main and tape)

Gain:

18 dB line
45/60 dB phono (optional)

Volume control resolution:

100 steps

Frequency response @ -3 dB:

2 Hz to 300 kHz

Input impedance:

100 kΩ minimum each phase

Noise:

Better than -100 dB unweighted

Distortion:

0.02% at 2 V RMS output

Channel-to-channel crosstalk:

Better than -85 dB at 10 kHz

Maximum output signal:

40 V RMS

Minimum power amplifier input impedance:

10 kΩ

Absolute polarity:

Noninverting

Tube complement:

Four 6922s and two 6V6s

Power consumption:

100 VA maximum

VK-R1 remote (optional):

Volume, fade, mute, preset levels

Dimensions:

19” W x 5.75” H x 15.5” D
(48 cm W x 15 cm H x 40 cm D)

Weight:

27 lb. (12 kg) unpackaged