Balanced Audio Technology VK-P12 Phonostage
Dual-mono construction, balanced inputs, vacuum-tube current sources, enormous energy reserves, and a massive power supply push the VK-P12 to the forefront of the world’s finest phonostages. VK-P12 uses the same amorphous core output transformers employed throughout Balanced Audio Technology’s premier line of phonostages Complementing the unit’s all-tube zero-feedback design, a unique Flying RIAA circuit maximizes accuracy, brings the benefits of fully differential operation to the critical equalization stage, and delivers standard-bearing fidelity to the original recorded signal. The end result is a circuit that unlocks hidden performance in virtually any cartridge.
BALANCED ARCHITECTURE
The VK-P12 is fully balanced from input to output. For the best possible performance, the phono cartridge should be used in a matching balanced configuration. Many turntables and tonearms allow for such a termination. In some cases, even if only RCA connectors are present on the arm, the cartridge can still be used in a balanced configuration by using a specially designed cable.
TEN-TUBE, ZERO-FEEDBACK DESIGN
The VK-P12 features an all-tube zero-feedback design that combines the benefits of balanced operation with complementary vacuum-tube current sources. Dual-mono construction and enormous energy reserves are matched by extensive flexibility in cartridge loading. Equipped with a new aluminum top cover, this incredible music instrument boasts high-quality input step-up transformers for greater flexibility in handling the lowest-output moving-coil cartridges as well as a Six-Pak of custom oil-filled capacitors in the output stage.
FLYING RIAA NETWORK
Among the benefits of the VK-P12’s differential RIAA network are ease of adjustment and improved common mode noise rejection. This circuit is also completely passive and has fewer components than a more traditional implementation. The ease of factory adjustment translates into improved matching of the RIAA curve to specification, with an RIAA error typically not exceeding 0.1dB! With the BAT Flying RIAA network, you can be assured that all of your records sound the way that the recording engineer intended.
VACUUM-TUBE CURRENT SOURCES
Vacuum-tube current sources further improve the linearity of any gain stage to yield a more open and textured sound than a simple resistor-based solution. In the VK-P12, dual 6SN7 vacuum tubes act as current sources for the second gain stage. They complement the inherent strength of vinyl playback in that the finest texture and harmonic structure of musical instruments are portrayed with greater delicacy.
SELECTABLE STEP-UP TRANSFORMERS
The VK-P12 features second-generation step-up transformers that provide as much as a 20dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio in comparison to direct mode operation. This allows the customer to successfully use even the lowest output moving-coil cartridges. With up to 80dB of gain available, no signal is too small!
SUMMARY
The whole of the engineering of the VK-P12 is greater than the sum of its parts. Such synergy will pay countless dividends on your investment in vinyl. And, of course, all VK-P12 phonostages can be further upgraded to VK-P12SE or VK-P12SE SuperPak status, maintaining the
commitment to a rational upgrade path that has earned BAT tremendous customer loyalty.