VK-30SE

Balanced Preamplifier

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Balanced Audio Technology is pleased to introduce the VK-30SE, the much-anticipated special edition version of our already highly regarded VK-30 preamplifier. The primary goal for the VK-30SE is to allow the use of the BAT 6H30 SuperTube. The 6H30 SuperTube has achieved tremendous popularity since its introduction in the VK-50SE line stage preamplifier. This stimulated numerous requests for making it available in other BAT products as well. The VK-30SE preamplifier now joins the stellar VK-50SE preamplifier and the extraordinary VK-D5SE CD player as the third special edition offering from Balanced Audio Technology.

The engineering changes made to the VK-30 to achieve its special edition status are substantial:

  1. The first significant modification involves the introduction of the SIX-PAK™ output capacitor modules. These modules triple the value of the paper-in-oil signal capacitors while still maintaining their unique sonic characteristics. With this modification the enhanced signal drive that the new tubes provide can be used quite effectively to deliver signal to low impedance inputs via long interconnect cables if necessary. This SIX-PAK module is exactly the same as used in the VK-50SE preamplifier and VK-D5SE CD player.

  2. A total of four 6H30 SuperTubes are installed to replace the six 6922's used in the standard VK-30. While not quite the equal of the eight 6H30's installed in our reference VK-50SE preamplifier, the VK-30SE benefits from a significantly lower output impedance and much greater current delivery than the standard VK-30.

  3. The power supply of the VK-30SE is modified to support the higher filament draw of the 6H30 SuperTubes.

  4. Vishay bulk-metal foil resistors replace the already high quality Caddock resistors in the plate- loading circuit.

  5. Vishay bulk metal-foil resistors also replace the standard metal film resistors as the series element in the volume control circuit.

  6. And finally, the new VK-30SE label-plate is installed on the front-panel to convey the well- earned special edition status for this exciting new product.
With all these improvements, the VK-30SE yields a substantial improvement sonically over the standard VK-30. It also significantly betters our former reference VK-5i in every respect. In addition, the VK-30SE offers the flexibility of an optional internal phono module to make it a superior choice for many installations. And yes, all VK-30's can be fully upgraded to special edition status! If you can't afford the VK-50SE, but want a large portion of its magic, your new preamplifier has arrived!