Balanced vs RCA preamps


How important is it that your Pre-amp has both balanced and RCA capabilities? I’m shopping for another pre, most likely tube, and it seems to make sense with any future component that it offers both XLR and RCA. And to further complicate the search finding both these features plus remote limits the offerings for both tube and SS particularly tube.

 

kckrs

Showing 1 response by mammothguy54

To the OP, Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) makes several tubed preamps.  Most of their models are solely balanced.  Heck, "Balanced" is even in their brand name.  However, the model VK-80 has two balanced inputs and three RCA inputs as well as balanced and RCA outputs.  If you are looking to buy a used preamp, their model VK-33SE is the predecessor to the VK-80 and has the exact same inputs/outputs.  I owned the VK-33SE and can speak for its sonic excellence as well as build quality.  I made a step up in the BAT product line and now have the VK-90.  Highly recommended as a brand of excellence in all regards.