DETAILS
PRODUCT Balanced Audio Technology VK-3500
ORIGIN USA
TYPE Hybrid integrated amplifier
WEIGHT 22.7 kg
DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 483 x 146 x 394mm
FEATURES
Quoted power output: 2x 150W (8ohm)
Connections: 2x RCA; 1x MM/MC phono stage; 2x XLR; RCA tape loop
DISTRIBUTOR Karma-AV
WEBSITE balanced.com karma-av.co.uk
Even without the ‘BAT’ logo conjuring images of Gotham City’s caped crusader, the design of Balanced Audio Technology’s latest integrated amplifier has a purposeful, high-quality look and feel. There’s an argument that the appearance of a hi-fi product is unimportant, but at this price you expect some attention to detail and craftsmanship – and that’s precisely what you get. Of the silver and black finish options, the latter is the obvious choice if you really want to emphasise the Dark Knight vibe.
The amp arrived this year as part of a wave of products celebrating BAT’s 25th anniversary. The £13,000 VK-3500 replaces the outgoing VK-3000SE (launched in 2014) meaning it is still the only hybrid model in the Wilmington, Delaware company’s stable. The claimed 150W into 8ohm loads power output matches BAT’s solid-state VK-255SE power amplifier, and comfortably exceeds the specification of its all-tube power amps and integrateds.
Strictly analogue
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Denne historien er fra November 2021-utgaven av Hi-Fi Choice.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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