VK-3500 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

Sublime Power, Rich Musicality

Balanced Audio Technology’s VK-3500 integrated amplifier embodies simplicity without compromise. It offers audiophiles no-limits musical finesse and exceptional performance in one convenient package. Competitive with similarly priced reference-level separates, VK-3500 provides a robust 150 watts per channel into 8-ohm loads and doubles that output into 4-ohm loads. Combine such ability with BAT’s vacuum-tube preamplifier section—based on the same reference 6H30 SuperTube used in the company’s flagship REX 3 preamplifier—and you get sublime power matched with richly textured musicality. Open, delicate, and natural, VK-3500 allows any room to breathe with exquisite music.

Colour Options: Black, Silver
RRP: $22,700

VK-3500 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier Details

Second-Generation Oil Capacitors in Revised Preamp Section
For years, Balanced Audio Technology has used oil capacitors in its leading designs. The oil provides proper damping to the capacitor so that the signal passing through it does not ring. While a non-oil cap may initially make music sound more exciting, this excitation comes from these ringing artifacts. Such ringing can make a grand piano take on an overly sharp attack similar to what one hears with ringing in digital filter design—and in the same way, the discomfort when listening is real. BAT is pleased to introduce second-generation oil capacitors in the VK-3500 preamplifier section that provide for utmost in organic, natural musical reproduction.

Advanced Circuitry: 25th Anniversary Design
Many integrated amplifiers offer convenience and little else. VK-3500 is different. Its circuitry and build maintain the uncompromising quality found in BAT’s flagship components. The output stage employs a symmetrical bipolar design; the preamplifier section uses the same 6H30 SuperTube Unistage design topology employed in BAT’s flagship tube preamplifiers. And to make sure it looks as good as it sounds, VK-3500 features the gorgeous industrial design first seen in BAT’s flagship REX 3 system.

Exceptional Versatility, Including Phono Card
The incredibly versatile VK-3500 can be configured to meet almost any system need. A programmable user interface allows you to easily mate it with a home-theater system. Change sources, switch polarity, or fade music with just one touch—all from the included machined-aluminum remote control. With the included phono module, you’ll obtain superb reproduction of your analog record collection from moving-magnet and low-output moving-coil cartridges. Or use the high-performance vacuum-tube preamplifier outputs to control an amplifier in a second room.

VK-3500 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier Reviews

I’ll probably look back on my experience with the Balanced Audio Technology VK-3500 integrated amplifier and first remember the quirky phono stage, and how it qualifies as one of the finest inboard phono stages I’ve heard. But I’ll also remember how the BAT handled everything else, with extraordinary poise and just a shade of velvet.
BAT’s VK-3500 integrated amp ably serves as a celebration of the company’s 25 years in the ‘balanced audio’ business – offering an imperious blend of lush looks, audiophile engineering and stellar performance across all musical flavours. Not the honey monster some might expect of a big tube/solid state hybrid, but it’s never less than enjoyable. As birthday presents go, this is far better than a pair of socks.

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Specifications

Preamplifier
High current 6H30 SupertTube Unistage design

Power amplifier
Unistage design with only one gain block and no capacitors in signal path

Signal Path
Second generation silver gold oil capacitors

Global Feedback
None

Number of Channels
2

Output Power at 8Ω/4Ω
150W / 300W

Frequency Response
2Hz to 180kHz

Inputs
2 XLR + 3 RCA

Input Impedance
100 kΩ (minimum each phase)

Volume Control Resolution
0.5db

Volume Control Number of Steps
140

Tube Complement
2 x 6H30

Preamplifier Outputs
1 XLR balanced output

Tape Output
1 RCA

Speaker Outputs
2 pair gold-plated binding posts

Remote Control
Standard

Phono (MM/MC)
Standard

Dimensions
48.3 x 14.6 x 39.4 cm

Weight
22.7 kg

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