Music Direct has an ownership stake but it appears the original principals still run the company. I have spoken to Steve and Victor recently. My BAT gear is some of the original designs but it is still rockin'.

Balanced Audio Technology
 

Now at 6 years and still thrilled with the magic. I fired up a favorites list the other night and listened for three hours straight with a grin on my face. :)

That can only mean one thing Randy. A well put together system for your ears. That’s what it’s all about! Enjoy! :music:

Thanks, Serge. :)

I haven't had my BAT gear as long as you have Randy, but I suspect it will be with me for the long haul. It provides me with enormous listening satisfaction. What more could I ask for.

Tim

Oh yeaahhh! :D
__________________
Amp: BAT VK-655SE
Pre-amp/Digital: exaSound e32 w UpTone JS-2 Power Supply; SOtM tX-USBultra w UpTone LPS1.2; Apple Mac Mini w UpTone DC Conversion Kit & UpTone JS-2 Power Supply; Squeezelite w Logitech Media Server 7.9.0
Speakers: Triangle Magellan Cello II
Cables: AudioQuest WEL XLR, AudioQuest Everest, AudioQuest Hurricane HC, AudioQuest NRG-1000, AudioQuest Diamond USB
Rack: Solid Tech Hybrid
Tweaks: Omicron Stabilizzatore Armonico & Gold Evolution SE; IsoTek Sigmas GII w Optimum EVO3; Furutech FT-SWS (R) AC Outlet; Synergistic Research Blue Quantum Fuse

Hey there, new member, considering buying at BAT preamp. But BAT model numbering has me confused. Doesn't seem like for example, the larger the number the "better" the preamp. Is there a way to make heads or tails of it? For example I see a used VK-20 and VK-50. Is the 50 "better" than 20? Thanks!

Yes, you are correct. The BK-20 was their first preamp in the 20-series and the VK-50 the first in the 50 series. The higher the number the more bells & whistles, though not, IMHO, necessarily better preamp. I've always preferred their VK-31 standard (not SE) to their more expensive models as I prefer the 6922 to the 6H30 tube. They are up to the 23 & 53 series at the moment. Plus their uber-nice Rex series.

pbgalvin... Welcome to AA! :wave:

Formerly YB-2 has it right. I was (years ago) a BAT dealer and had both a VK-50SE and a VK-20 on display. I can tell you that the VK-20 is one heck of a good pre-amp even though its the lower end of the line. I even sold one to a brass player from the San Francisco Symphony - and he loved it. There were some things that I liked better about the BAT SS sound vs the BAT tube sound. I'll leave it at that, but you won't go wrong with a BAT pre-amp.