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.
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. |
