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Design Highlights:
The VK-32SE builds on a solid foundation, using proven ideas and design solutions previously incorporated in other Balanced Audio Technology products.
It continues the line of Unistage® products based on a single gain stage, incorporating no buffers or followers and no global negative feedback. The ultimate simplicity of this topology has been widely acclaimed and accepted as an industry standard.
The strength of the VK-32SE starts with its immense power supply, in dual mono configuration, using separate, oversized toroidal power transformers for each channel. The power supply generates symmetrical high voltage rails for the active gain stage, allowing it to operate linearly and with low distortion over a tremendous signal range. Before reaching the gain cell, the power supply voltages undergo several stages of filtering, using C-multipliers on both positive and negative rails. The final stage of filtering, the one directly connected to the gain stage, consists of BAT’s custom oil capacitors as part of its monstrous SUPER-PAK. This approach guarantees that only the highest quality capacitors work in conjunction with the amplification devices.  The differential gain stage is composed of two 6H30 SuperTubes per channel, supported by vacuum tube current sources, and incorporating Vishay Bulk Metal® Foil load resistors.
The VK-32SE volume control provides broad range of adjustment with 140 steps of 0.5dB resolution, resulting in essentially a continuous feel. Based on shunt topology, and using 16-bit digital control, it utilizes Vishay resistors as its pass devices.
Custom oil-filled capacitors are used at the output, resulting in an unmatched transparency and clarity of sound.
This whole package utilizes BAT’s powerful user interface, allowing customization of each input individually, that keeps receiving universal acclaim from customers and reviewers alike! Like all Balanced Audio Technology preamplifiers, the VK-32SE can be ordered with an optional full function remote control.
Custom-tailor your sound: The VK-32SE incorporates a unique feature that allows the user to optimize its sound, tailoring it to one’s individual taste or system requirements.
The vacuum tube current sources incorporated in the VK-32SE, being part of the signal gain stage, have a direct effect on the unit’s sound. Changing the tube type used in that circuit, allows the user an extra degree of control over the sound of the unit.
In its standard configuration, the VK-32SE current sources use the Russian 6C19 tubes. This tube is basically a miniature version of the famous 6C33 tube, and provides, in our view, the best combination of sonic characteristics and electrical performance.
However, the unique design of the VK-32SE allows you to also use other tube types as current sources. Currently (no pun intended), the user has the following three choices for vacuum tube current sources: - The standard 6C19 tube current source (installed at the factory).
- The 6H30 SuperTube current source (which requires the purchase of the X-PAK accessory).
- The 5881 tube current source.
In order to change the tube type, the user needs to remove the installed current source board, replace it with either another board (designed for a particular tube type), or install the 5881 tubes as a direct plug-in.
The 5881 tubes can be used directly upon the removal of the 6C19 current source board.
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