Balanced Audio Technology

Following the great success of their outstanding VK250 and VK600 solid state power amplifiers, the folks at Balanced Audio Technology decided that they really needed a better, reference quality solid state preamplifier to match those power amplifiers. Thus was born the VK42SE at $5995, the first solid state Balanced Audio Technology preamplifier worthy of the SE designation. In fact, one member of the Balanced Audio Technology staff told us that he thinks the VK42SE is the second best preamplifier they've ever made, bettered only by the much more expensive VK51SE. For a company that's built its reputation on its tube products, that's quite a statement. The VK42SE is based on its predecessor, the VK40. However, it sports numerous improvements, including BAT's custom-designed SUPER PAK and SIX-PAK oil-filled capacitors in the power supply and output stages, multiple circuit topology improvements, and the highest possible quality parts in all critical areas. The result is a product that competes easily with some very well-known preamplifiers from other companies costing two to three times as much. So, if you prefer solid state to tubes but still want the spacious, clear, musical, and enveloping sound for which Balanced Audio Technology is known, this could be the preamplifier for you.