I’ve got a BAT VK-3i and a VK-33, both of which have single and balanced outputs. They are terrific, high quality preamps and sound great. I think you should be fine with the VK-30SE or the VK-31SE. You really can’t go wrong with BAT gear.
Looking for preamp which is good at BOTH single-ended AND balanced output
I am looking for a preamp which sounds good at BOTH single-ended or Balanced output. My DAC has both single-ended and Balanced output. I have vintage tube amps which only allow single-ended input. I also have SS amp which only allows balanced input. I use both amps alternatively. Sometime I even use both together for bi-amp setting.
Is there any good used preamp under $3000 recommended? I have opportunity to get BAT VK-30SE or 31SE, I know they are good for balanced output, are they equally good for single-end output?
Is there any good used preamp under $3000 recommended? I have opportunity to get BAT VK-30SE or 31SE, I know they are good for balanced output, are they equally good for single-end output?
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The over-looked EAR-Yoshino 868L, designed and built by the recently-departed Tim de Paravicini, occasionally available used for around $3,000. The 868 sports two pair each of single-ended and balanced outputs on it’s rear---all independent of each other, the balanced outputs created via Paravicini’s legendary transformers. Each output is capable of driving a 200 ohm load, a brutal task required in pro recording studios, a field in which TdP did a fair amount of design work. Amplification is provided via a pair of 7DJ8 tubes. EAR-Yoshino is distributed in the U.S.A. by the firm doing the same for two other superior UK companies: Townshend Audio (the unique Rock turntable---currently unavailable, the line of Seismic isolation products, a passive pre-amp, a super-tweeter, and interconnect and speaker cables), and Helius Designs (tonearms). Paravicini chose the Helius Omega tonearm to mate with his Master Disk Turntable. |
ccheung No voodoo here it all comes down to the design. First one must ask the manufacturer, is their preamp circuit a "single ended design" with single ended rca output, but also with a "pseudo balanced circuit opamp" tacked on the single ended output to give the optional balanced/xlr?? If so in this case, the single ended rca output should sound better, over 1-3mt runs If it’s a true balanced design all the way then the balanced should be quieter over very long (>5mts) interconnect runs, if 2mt or less the RCA should sound just as good. Cheers George |
This would be hard to find, but an SST Ambrosia is a world class Preamp with 2 single ended and 2 balanced..... You can get the first series for $3000, maybe less. The series 2 is essentially the same preamp, but the moved a few circuits around to get rid of the fan. You won't find a series 2 under $3000. Do a search for the reviews, this is worth hunting down. Good Luck, Tim |
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