BAT preamp output coupled with capacitor design always suffered low frequency roll-off if driving low impedance load. I think this is the main reason they moved back to using output transformer, so their preamp can be compatible with more power amplifier in the market.
BAT Preamp Output Design Changes - Why?
I’ve been looking at the recent preamp offerings from Balanced Audio Technology (BAT). I notice that they are now touting transformer coupled (2nd generation) outputs – moving away from capacitor coupled.
When the company first debuted (to much acclaim I might add) their highly regarded preamps: the VK-3 and VK-5 (and variants), they were transformer coupled designs, but then BAT moved away from using output transformers for many years. They have now moved back to transformers. Any idea on why this flip-flop in preamp design? Afterall, neither transformers nor capacitors are new technologies – why such a major change in design approach?