The Balanced Audio Technology VK-60 embodies the elegant application of modern design principles to vacuum-tube technology. It incorporates all-triode zero-feedback topology, fully balanced operation, the ability to drive difficult loads, and true automatic biasing. The result is a power amplifier that is both easy to use and musically without peer.

Musical clarity

The VK-60 offers the startlingly lifelike midrange of the best single-ended amplifiers while delivering the dynamic power and frequency extension associated with push-pull models. Its single-ended bridge design avoids the direct current that compromises output transformer performance in single-ended amplifiers and eliminates the crossover distortion inherent in push-pull designs. Without these debilitating artifacts, the VK-60 opens a magical window on the original performance--a direct emotional connection to the music.

Dynamic authority

Dynamic or hybrid speaker systems often require substantial current to achieve optimal performance. The VK-60's 6C33C-B power tube is unique in its ability to deliver high current at a relatively low plate voltage--several times more current than the popular 6550 power tube. It vastly simplifies the output transformer's task of transferring power to demanding loads. The VK-60's innovative design exploits these strengths to drive real world speakers with commanding authority.

Automatic bias

The VK-60 eliminates the traditional headache of tube power amplifier ownership: the constant need to adjust the bias of the output tubes. It features a sophisticated automatic circuit that performs real-time bias control of each individual output tube. Without sonic penalty, the automatic bias circuit compensates for the warmup, aging, and variation of tubes as well as fluctuations in line voltage. Just turn the VK-60 on and enjoy the music.

Versatile performance

The VK-60 is available as either a 60-watt-per-channel stereo amplifier or a 120-watt-per-channel monoblock. The owner of a stereo VK-60 who acquires less efficient speakers or a larger listening room--or simply wants more power--can add a VK-60 monoblock and have the original unit easily updated to monoblock format. In either configuration, the VK-60 delivers reference-quality performance.

VK-60SE Upgrade:

Existing VK-60’s with Revision E or later boards can be upgraded to a VK-60SE. While this model does not offer all the performance benefits of the VK-75SE, it offers an exciting upgrade path for existing VK-60 customers. Customers with Revision D or earlier boards will need to take advantage of the VK-60 circuit board update below.

VK-60SE Circuit Board Update:

VK-60 customers with Revision D or earlier printed circuit boards will need to avail themselves of this upgrade which involves replacing both circuit boards inside the VK-60. This upgrade is also available independently to customers of older VK-60’s who would like to update their units to final-revision VK-60 status.

Frequently asked questions:

Q. Is the VK-60 being obsoleted?
A. Effectively, yes. However, the factory can produce VK-60 mono-blocks in the near future for those customers that want to upgrade from a VK-60 stereo to VK-60 mono-blocks.

Q. Why isn’t there an update to the VK-75 from the VK-60?
A. The cost of this upgrade would be prohibitive, as for the most part only the output transformers would be reused from the original VK-60. The VK-60SE is offered as a desirable alternative from the factory.

Q. Can a new VK-60SE be ordered from the factory?
A. No. The VK-60SE is an upgrade-only product.

Q. When can I place an order and when will the new products and upgrades be available?
A. BAT has begun taking orders on August 1st. We expect to ship the first orders within a month to six weeks. We also expect a large demand for these new products so it is in your best interest to place your orders sooner rather than later. Finally, upgrades to the VK-60SE will be accepted into the factory during the latter portion of August or early September.

Q. What are the prices for the new models?
A. The VK-75 stereo and VK-150 mono-block amplifiers are priced approximately 20% higher than the former VK-60 stereo or mono-block equivalents. The SE version premium is consistent with our current reference SE pricing. Please contact your dealer or distributor for more details.

Q. How much better are the new models?
A. The VK-75 and VK-150 are more dynamic and extended sounding than the VK-60 stereo or mono-block versions. The SE models are in another league altogether.