Well, my "ultimate amplifier quest" has one more contestant, thanks to a used gear deal that was simply too good to pass up. Balanced Audio Technology VK-75 Special Edition
Another tube amp, the VK-75SE couldn't be more different from the classic McIntosh MC275 that I also have. The VK-75SE is a thoroughly modern, fully balanced, zero feedback design from Balanced Audio Technology, the Delaware company built by Russian emigre Victor Khomenko.
The amp is built around the combination of 6H30 input tubes feeding 6C33C output tubes, for a total of 75 watts per channel. The amp has been in production continuously since 2000, and is the top of the BAT line in power amps. Reviewers have consistently sung its praises, with Sue Kraft of The Absolute Sound buying it as her reference.
This amp is huge (2 feet deep x 18 inches wide), and heavy (90 lbs), and runs hot, drawing nearly 500 watts at idle. Retail price for a new one? A cool $9000. Trust me, I paid less than half that for the one I've got. In fact, it cost me about the same price as the McIntosh, which retails for $4500. It was such a bargain, it was like I was making money! Er, well, not quite...
