Balanced Audio Technology VK-P90 Phonostage

Balanced, zero-feedback, dual mono with a 6C45 gain stage. SuperPak and transformer-coupled output stage make this BAT’s finest phonostage

Balanced Audio Technology’s VK-P90 touts numerous engineering improvements to offer the finest information retrieval ever offered in a BAT phono preamplifier. From its third-generation hybrid SuperPak to the improved second-generation inter-stage oil coupling capacitors and revised step-up transformers, VK-P90 is devised to anchor the world’s most revered playback systems.

In addition to its transformer-coupled output stage, the all-tube design incorporates four high-gain 6C45 tubes. They provide high-current and low-output impedance, as well as superb drive and crystalline transparency. These design elements result in an ultra-quiet phono preamplifier that’s on intimate terms with dynamic ease, grand scale, and musical honesty.

Third-Generation SuperPak Provides Utmost Transparency

VK-P90 features Balanced Audio Technology’s new, third-generation SuperPak in its power supply design. It represents a significant rethinking of what is possible from an energy storage device. For the first time, the BAT SuperPak features hybrid construction that incorporates two capacitors built and potted into each individual shell. An additional silver-in-oil capacitor—the finest-quality capacitor offered at any price—is used as part of the Gen 3’s construction. The two capacitors are then assembled into a new low-resonance shell. The result: Low-level detail is revealed in a clear and unforced manner, while the overall sound takes on a beguiling sweetness and naturalness from top to bottom. 

Fully Balanced, All-Tube Design Offers Analog Bliss

With VK-P90, you get an all-tube zero-feedback design that combines the benefits of balanced operation with complementary vacuum-tube current sources. Its dual-mono construction and enormous energy reserves are matched by extensive cartridge-loading flexibility. The first gain stage achieves a very low noise floor via premium Vishay bulk foil resistors that replace metal film resistors in critical areas. An upgraded power supply joins the transformer-coupled output stage in contributing to immersive transparency and responsive, visceral bass. Vacuum- tube current sources further improve the linearity and produce a wide-open, textured sound.

In addition, a differential RIAA network ensures all your records will sound the way the recording engineer intended, all the while permitting ease of adjustment and improved common-mode noise rejection. Plus, the VK-P90’s second-generation step-up transformers provide as much as a 20dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio in comparison to direct mode operation. With up to 80dB of gain available, no signal is too small. Analog bliss awaits.

Transformer-Coupled Output Stage Delivers Superior Purity

Like the elite VK-80, VK-90, and REX 3 preamplifiers, VK-P90 features a transformer-coupled output stage. The result of countless prototypes and tests, it proves substantially superior to any capacitor in maintaining a purity of signal transmission. Electrically, the output transformers significantly enhance every measured respect, while sonically, they offer improvements in all areas of musical reproduction.

Features

• Third generation SuperPak: 8x50uF with internal silver/oil hybrid construction
• Silver gold oil bypass caps
• Silver gold oil inter-stage coupling capacitors
• Transformer coupled output section
• Second generation step-up transformers for increased gain
• Zero global feedback

Specifications

Inputs: 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR

Outputs: 1 x XLR

Gain
Direct (Low, High): 45 dB, 60 dB
Step-Up (Low, High): 65 dB, 80 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Direct (Low, High): 73 dB, 76 dB
Step-Up (Low, High): 86 dB, 93 dB

Selectable Cartridge Loading
Resistance: 100 to 47,000 ohm 
Capacitance: 0 to 1000 pf

Tube Complement: 4 x 6922, 4 x 6C45, 2 x 6SN7

Power Consumption: 150 VA

Dimensions: 19″ x 5.75″ x 15.5″

Weight: 37.5 lb