The Chinook and my Steelhead, can only develop sufficient gain for vinyl by incorporating a transistor in the signal path, along with the 6922. They did a good job of it, and that is why both units are so good. They probably could have used one or two other tube types with similar mu, transconductance, and plate resistance (other high transconductance/medium mu/low plate resistance dual section triodes) to the same end. 6922s are plentiful which makes it a good choice.
Balanced Audio Technology phono preamp VK-P80
Anyone on here with with experience with this phono stage or the BAT signature sound on their phono stages? There just aren't many reviews on them. I am looking to upgrade my Manley Chinook SE and there is one posted somewhat close to me for sale on here. I am running a Hana Umami Red on a VPI Signature 21. My preamp is a PrimaLuna EVO 400 pre and it has balanced inputs. Using a Pass X250.8 amp.
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FWIW, I had a VK-P10 for a while a long time ago. I didn't particularly like it and replaced it with a steelhead 1.5, which in my system to my ears significantly bested the P10. I still own the steelhead. There is nothing like auditioning a potential new component in your own system before dropping your cash. |
My system is built around BAT components. I'm a fan of their products. In my system, I get great holographic playback. I've an older VK-P5 w/superpak that's slated to be recapped and ungraded to the max. You need to ensure that it works in your system, like any component, let you ears determine if it a good fit. Auditioning is the best approach. There one for $2900 here: https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=bat+vk+p80 That's a very good price. |
My friend and I both bought new ones of the VK-P80 last year, I am using mine with a VPI table, so is he but he also has a TTW table that he uses it with. We both believe that it is a very good phono stage, is dead quiet, has great top, mids and bottom and is built like a tank. Started looking into tubes and they are not that crazy expensive, when re-tubing comes around. Only minor quibble would be that the dB level for the MC portion is only 58-60 dB, you just have to turn your volume up a bit more with some MC cartridges. |
I too recently acquired a VK-P80. I thought I was long past buying gear. I’ve owned every type of gear. Tubes & SS. I’ve sworn by bat gear for some 30 years. The P80 is an absolute Best Buy, imo. I can finally say I’m done. It’s a supremely well built and designed phono pre. I for one am done looking. |
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