BAT VK80i Integrated Amplifier

BAT VK80I INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER UNVEILED

Wilmington, Delaware, based Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) has released their all-tube integrated amp the BAT VK80i Integrated Amplifier

Distributor Karma-AV is bringing the BAT VK80i to the UK. Incorporating technological advances first introduced by the brand’s flagship REX series, the long-awaited BAT VK80i all-tube integrated amplifier features specifically the triode-balanced architecture, fuse-less protection and automatic-bias circuits deployed by the REX 3 power amplifier design.

BAT VK80I INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Generating 55 watts per channel, the BAT VK80i uses the triode 6C33C-B tube, which offers many times the current delivery of the 6550/KT90 tetrode tube variant often used in tube integrated amplifiers. Arranged in a fully balanced topology, the 6C33C-B allows the VK80i to deliver the high-current performance required to drive even difficult low-impedance speaker loads.

‘FUSE-LESS’ DESIGN

The elimination of internal channel and tube fuses means that the BAT VK80i’s performance is not compromised by the “sound” or the quality of the fuse that is normally placed in the signal path of an amplifier channel. In the rare event of an output tube becoming over-stressed, BAT says that normal operation is restored by turning the VK80i off and on again.

INTELLIGENT AUTO-BIAS OPERATION

Advanced engineering within the BAT VK80i eliminates the need to set and readjust the bias of the output tubes. The VK80i features an intelligent automatic bias design that intuitively adjusts for changing line voltage and ageing tubes, with each output tube having its own dedicated bias circuit.

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATION

6C33C-B triode output tube with fully balanced signal path

“Fuse-less” protection circuit

Intelligent auto-bias design makes operation easy

Output per channel at 8Ω/4Ω: 55W

THD at full power: 3%

Frequency response: 8Hz to 200kHz

Input impedance: 215 kΩ

Tube complement: 4 x 6SN7, 4 x 6C33C-B

Power Consumption: 400W idle, 800W full power

Remote included: Yes, all metal

Signal inputs: 1 XLR, 3 RCA

Volume control: resistive ladder, 90 steps, 1dB per step

Dimensions (mm): 431W x 203H x 406D

Weight: 20.4 kg

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

With no tubes to bias or tube/channel fuses to replace and a full-function remote control on hand, the BAT VK80i is available in black or silver, at $9,995 from September 2021.