(BAT) Balanced Audio Technology VK-P10 All Tube Dual Mono Phono Preamp

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General:
Super clean and well cared for Balanced Audio Technology VK-P10 all tube phono preamp. 

Impressive build quality, component selection, and design that's capable of getting the most performance from just about any phono cartridge. 

Comes to you in its original box with the owner's manual and accessories.

Note as this unit is fully balanced meaning only XLR's are available for all outputs (No RCA outputs).

Standout Features:
• AT THE FOREFRONT OF ANALOG PLAYBACK TECHNOLOGY
Transparent, dynamic, warm, involving: The path to the ultimate in analog fidelity begins here. Equipped with fully balanced zero-feedback topology, this incredible instrument boasts high-quality input step-up transformers.

• MAMMOTH ENERGY RESERVES HANDLE ANY CARTRIDGE
Low-output moving-coil cartridges are a forte
of the VK-P10. Most are easily handled by the phonostage’s direct mode. And with energy reserves that exponentially exceed those found in competing products, this phonostage could be a sizeable power amplifier.

• SUPERLATIVE BUILD QUALITY, BREATHTAKING PERFORMANCE
VK-P10 is built to a spec that ensures it will be passed onto future generations. Experience it, and unlock the glory of vinyl music reproduction that few music lovers have ever imagined—let alone enjoyed.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
This unit has been fitted with a set of Russian made 6922 and 6SN7 tubes. All tubes were tested on our modern and professional tube tester (Amplitrex AT1000).

This phono stage is currently configured for low output moving coil cartridges with 100 ohm nominal loading and 100pF. If you would like us to adjust the VK-P10 for your cartridge before shipping please contact us.

Connections:
RCA and Balanced inputs. XLR Balanced Outputs Only. Removable IEC Power Cord.

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit, manual, and power cord.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Reviews:
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Specs:
Tube phono preamplifier.

Tube complement: Two 6922, Two 6SN7.

Inputs: RCA single-ended and XLR balanced.

Outputs: XLR balanced

Gain adjustable between 50 and 78dB. Loading switch adjustable for 100 ohms to 47k ohms. Capacitance switch adjustable between 100pF and 1000pF.

Power consumption: 150VA maximum.

Dimensions:
19" W by 5.5" H by 14" D

Weight:
35 lbs.

Approximate Age:
2000

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects (Inputs ONLY)

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors (Outputs ONLY)

Kimber Kable - Power Cords

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface.

The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.

We then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.

Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected.

If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.