2. amps-preamps
  3. 125715-1644

Are there used/mint balanced pre-amp with a few unblanced inputs under $2000??

Need recommendations for a used balanced pre-amp with approximately 3 balanced input  One for a CD player and another  for hooking up a fully balanced amp.  And, possibly, one additional balanced input  I don't need a processor HT loop, nor DAC input and output. I do need a remote, and a very good headphone feature would be great  Phone box or stage could be added. 

Unfortunately, many balanced or mixed balanced and unbalanced pre-amps or line stages offer multiple balanced inputs, and also  several RCA inputs and outputs

They usually lack remote, phone stage and headphone features.  The back of some look like a recording console and the front, a cuckoo clock.    Not for me!!.

I prefer simple and usable  features,  but outstanding sound quality. I have a BAT VK200 amp

I am NOT hopeful such a component is available. However, I have looked at the Copland CT305, Cary SLP202, and a few of the BAT pre-amps in a cursory search     Thank you  

   

sunnyjim
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

To djohnson54. Thank you for the reply and info.  A new BAT candidate is in the race, the VK-20r pre-amp listed on AG.  I have found only one review on it.

Therefore, do you ( or anyone) know where it might stand in the BAT pecking order of pre-amps??  It has both a remote and phono stage, but the seller does not know if it is MM or MC, though the former owner used a Transcendence Axiss low output moving coil.  

So if anyone has personal knowledge of the VK-20r pre-amp's performance and sound quality, please let me know.   Thank you. 

djohnson54
372 posts
 
@sunnyjim Not sure about the pecking order but (and you may know this already) the VK-20/40 series are BAT's solid state preamps.  That said, the VK-20 is probably in the same performance range as the VK-3i/VK-30 although I've never heard the VK-20.  The only thing I could find on the BAT phono cards comes from a review of the VK-3iX so take this with a grain of salt - "Options for the VK-3iX include a solid-state phono preamplifier that is factory set for moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) phono cartridges."

Dick
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

To Mr. Johnson.   Thank you for the information. Unfortunately, the dealer who had  the VK20r on consignment sold it.  His first deal fell through a few days ago.   However,  it is good to know about the BAT phono stage should I find a similar BAT pre-amp

As you know, the VK-31SE on Audiogon  sells for $2100, whereas the VK-20r was $1495.00, and had both phono and remote which added to its value.for me.

I am sure the VK-31 SE is up there with BAT's best pre-amps. I have read all the reviews on both version of the VK-31. The seller is open to a lower offer, but I am not sure of spending between $1800-$2100 for the piece.  I  would still need to buy a  outboard phono box or stage at least equal to the one in Rogue Sphinx integrated which is very good..  

BTW,  A  member also recommended the Rogue "Athena" tube  pre-amp which is fully balanced. I will check it out on their website and see what is available    I 'll keep you posted.    

    

sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

For anyone still following this thread.  Let me humbly submit a few more candidates for pre-amp consideration 

Coda CP pre-amp with  phono stage  No remote.

Audio Research  LS-12 (remote only)..; Conrad Johnson ET2 (remote only) 

The Coda CP is a very nice looking unit, but if no remote is available as an add on,. I not interested, despite its supposedly very good MC phono stage. I could not find one review on this pre-amp which is still current Any  information on any one of the pre-amp will be much appreciated

Thanks to all. Have a good holiday; drive safely, or just stay home and watch pre-season NFL.    Jim.

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