News

Following on from its all-solid-state REX 500 power amplified, Balanced Audio Technology (aka BAT) has launched a solid-state preamplifier in the shape of the VK-85. Joining the company’s trio of SuperTube preamps, and priced £12,500, the unit is said to result from a new design strategy and employs N-channel MOSFET drivers in the amplifier circuit and a fourth-generation implementation of BAT’s ‘Super Pak’ power supply topology.

Connections are 3x balanced XLR and 2x RCA inputs, 2x main XLR outs and an RCA ‘tape out’, while volume adjustment, in 0.5dB steps, is handled by the US brand’s electronic ‘shunt attenuator’ and shown on the VK-85’s front-panel display. The chassis, with cut alloy fascia, is offered in silver or black.

Also arriving from BAT, priced £15,000, is a new REX 300 power amplifier. Baby brother to the flagship REX 500 model, this claims a 2x200W/8ohm and 2x400W/4ohm output and is again a ‘zero global feedback’ design with N-channel FETs in both its voltage and main power stages, and ‘SuperPak Quattro’ capacitor bank. The REX 300 can also be ordered as a monoblock (£30k a pair), or converted to single-channel operation at a later date. BAT, Wilmington, Delaware, USA, 01480 452561; www.balancedaudio.net