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Need help with BAT VK-33

So, a crackle from the right channel of my 4 year old preamp moved to the left channel when I swapped the preamp out cables. When i returned the cables to their original positions,  the right channel became quiet and the left channel became noisy. I can hear the crackle from my listening position. Swapped the tubes and cleaned the pins, but no change. Switched cables, but the problem persists. Is this a job for the BATmen?  The unit is till under warranty. Thanks for your help.

 

rlb61
elliottbnewcombjr
7,701 posts
 

without a doubt, if on warranty, get it back to them.

iovi66
23 posts
 

sorry, spoke with my tech contact and he said about 2013-2014 release date, so i was wrong, but doesn't change the fact that it still is long out of manufacturer's warranty...so i'm still missing something here....

rlb61 OP
795 posts
 

Nope ... bought it new in 2021 (was still manufactured then). 5 year warranty brings me to 2026.

jl35
4,450 posts
 

Call and Email Steve at BAT ... sometimes slow to respond but he does a great job...

rlb61 OP
795 posts
 

I called Steve and the BAT is going in for service under warranty. Put in my old BAT VK-3i and I swear ... more musical, wider soundstage, greater depth, and more bass weight. On paper, the 33 is superior, but I think the 3i has the edge. Perhaps it's those Pope 6v6GTs in the 3i versus the Tong Sol 5881s in the 33.

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