Pre Amps

The new Relentless Preamplifier is the ultimate in preamplifier design. The preamplifier plays a critical role in musical playback; the point in the reproduction stage when the music signal is particularly susceptible to compromise through noise and distortion. The use of three separate chassis in the design of the Relentless Preamplifier—a dedicated audio chassis for each channel separated by a power supply/control section—addresses these challenges and brings other benefits besides.

Many audiophiles believe that the preamplifier is the most important component in a music system. It is often the focus of much of the designer’s attention as there are many aspects of the signal path that need to be managed. The Air Tight ATC-3 is a high quality preamplifier with a great pedigree and remarkable sonics. It utilises a tried and true, well proven design that has been refined over many years so that it is very quiet, very transparent, neutral and ultra-dynamic.

It was 30 years ago when Air Tight introduced their first tube pre-amp, the ATC-1 with the ambitious intention being to reproduce real, dynamic sound. So successful were they in realising their ambition that the ATC-1 became a global reference preamplifier for many years and defined that ideal of Japanese refinement. After many years of further research & development, Air Tight have now released the totally redesigned ATC-5 to continue the tradition and cater for the serious audiophile with a requirement for analogue or digital music sources.

Second-Generation Transformer-Coupled Outputs Provide Exceptional Purity

The VK-80 is comfortable in any system, at any price point, and should be on your short list before spending more. All you need to do is listen.

Introduced simultaneously with the REX 300 power amplifier, the Balanced Audio Technology VK-85 preamplifier blurs the lines between the finest tube and solid-state sound. VK-85 features BAT’s trademark high-current Unistage topology with transformer-coupled outputs that anchor the full line of Balanced Audio Technology’s preamplifiers. VK-85’s second-generation output transformers work in conjunction with a symmetrical N-channel Unistage gain block to provide the high-current operation that is a BAT hallmark. A revised connection scheme for the SuperPak Quattro technology used in REX 300 offers beguiling levels of musical finesse and textural beauty.

Comprised of a vacuum-tube power module and separate control module, the groundbreaking two-box component features second-generation amorphous-core output transformers wound with Cardas Audio’s finest OFC wire. Equally remarkable, the 10-tube REX power module incorporates additional oil-filled capacitors in an enhanced SuperPak assembly. Sonically, these critical additions offer finer dynamics, clarity, and top-to-bottom extension when compared to the already stellar previous REX generation. The easy-to-use REX 3 also boasts an incredible user interface and plenty of customizable options. And with the REX 3’s proprietary electronic shunt volume attenuator, you can always get the volume just right.