Your Thoughts on the BAT VK-3i

Any thoughts on the BAT VK-3i almost 20 years after its introduction? Is it still a relevant preamp or has it been surpassed within its class?

rlb6101-11-2018 3:44am

dweller Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,742 posts 01-11-2018 at 05:48pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I'd have to agree that commercial grade 6H30 tubes leave a lot to be desired. The pre-2000 "DR" military grade tubes ($300/ea from the BAT stash) are totally different animals. Sumptuous tone, deep bass and extended highs. You get what you pay for...
dweller Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,742 posts 01-12-2018 at 08:26pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete georgehifi: The tubes that came with my (used) VK-300SE were flaking out on arrival. I called ARC for replacements. They asked "which of our products will the tubes go into". I stated I'd be using BAT equipment. The new tubes arrived and went bad in about two months (noisy and uneven output). That's when I sprung for the BAT NOS 6H30 at $600/pr. Have been enjoying great, problem free sound ever since. I wish I could find new tubes that performed as well (for 1/3 the cost).
dweller Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,742 posts 01-12-2018 at 10:48pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I've noticed the term "super tube" used whenever equipment has 6H30s in its circuit -not necessarily the NOS version.