Balanced Audio VK-52 se with BATs best NOS 6H30s

This, one of the great sounding preamplifiers, offered for sale by the original owner.  Unit was purchased with NOS 6H30s from the BAT 'stash' ($1400).  This unit is in absolutely pristine, like new condition.  With remote, manual, original packaging, and hi-fi tuning fuses installed.   The VK52-se can easily be upgraded to the VK-53se or REX levels - but is a truly great preamp as it is.  Perfect in operation.  This was my favorite piece of gear until I bought my MSB DAC, which needs no preamp.....
This unit is only a 9/10 instead of 10/10 because I've had it more than a year (per Audiogon requirements for rating).

The VK-52SE preamplifier continues the evolution of the 5X series preamplifiers by once again offering dramatic improvements to its power supply. The VK-52SE makes these improvements to its power distribution system with a completely revised second-generation SUPER-PAK that employs new technology oil filled capacitors for power supply bypass. The new VK-52SE Super-Pak has (oil capacitor for oil capacitor) fully one hundred times the energy storage of the older VK-51SE Super-Pak. Consequently, the VK-52SE obtains a near ten-fold increase in the proportion of energy storage derived from its next-generation oil filled capacitors. The result is a new level of textural liquidity and coherence in the reproduction of music, while simultaneously maintaining the effortless dynamics that have made BAT preamplifier designs so highly regarded in the industry.

Finally, the VK-52SE incorporates platform changes that allow the customer a full upgrade path to the two-chassis REX design at a later date. Indeed, REX incorporates the same second-generation custom designed oil capacitors modules in both its control section as well as power-supply.

As always, the VK-52SE’s Unistage® circuit continues BAT’s commitment to zero global-feedback, fully balanced designs. The 6H30 Super-Tube remains the anchor for the VK-52SE’s high-current gain stage.

Just as in the REX, the VK-52SE volume control provides a broad range of adjustment with 140 steps of 0.5dB resolution, resulting in an essentially continuous feel. Based on shunt topology and using a 16-bit digital control, it utilizes Vishay Bulk Metal® foil resistors as its pass-through devices. Finally, custom oil-filled capacitors are used at the output, resulting in an unmatched transparency and naturalness in sound reproduction. This whole package utilizes Balanced Audio Technology’s powerful user interface that allows customization of each input individually, and continues to receive universal acclaim from customers and reviewers alike. Like all Balanced Audio Technology preamplifiers, the VK-52SE can be ordered with an optional full function remote control.

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