Balanced Audio Technology VK-P12SE SuperPak Phonostage

All-tube, fully balanced, dual mono phonostage with the highest quality components and a built-in step-up transformer

The VK-P12SE SuperPak is fully balanced from input to output. It 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. The first gain stage achieves a very low noise floor by using premium Vishay Bulk Foil resistors that replace metal film resistors in critical circuit areas.

The output stage employs four powerful high-current 6C45 vacuum tubes for improved gain and better drive capability. Like the elite VK-33SE, VK-53SE, and REX II
preamplifiers, the VK-P12SE SuperPak features a transformer-coupled output stage. This new design replaces BAT’s venerable Six-Pak of output capacitors with custom-designed output transformers. This new transformer-coupled output stage proves substantially superior to any capacitor in maintaining a purity of signal
transmission.

Among the benefits of the VK-P12SE SuperPak’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.

The second-generation SuperPak replaces electrolytic capacitors in the first two gain
stages with the largest-value oil capacitors ever employed in a BAT design. An upgraded power supply and dual Six-Paks of paper-in-oil output capacitors provide huge scale and realism, 

New step-up transformers provide as much as a 20dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio. With up to 80dB of gain available, no signal is too small. Totally state-of-the-art, the VK-P12SE SuperPak pays priceless dividends on your investment in vinyl.

Specifications

Inputs: 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR

Outputs: 1 x XLR

Gain
Direct (Low, High): 45 dB, 60 dB
Step-Up (Low, High): 65 dB, 80 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Direct (Low, High): 73 dB, 76 dB
Step-Up (Low, High): 86 dB, 93 dB

Selectable Cartridge Loading
Resistance: 100 to 47,000 ohm 
Capacitance: 0 to 1,000 pf

Tube Complement: 4 x 6922, 4 x 6C45, 2 x 6SN7

Power Consumption: 150 VA

Dimensions: 19″ x 5.75″ x 15.5″

Weight: 43 lb