Balanced Audio Technology VK-P10

BAT - VK-P10 - Works perfectly, I had it gone through by a local Tube Audio repair shop and I think they resoldered a few areas as preventative maintenance. I then boxed it up for 5 years. It comes with 9 russian tubes I bought new 20 yrs ago from russia and 2 6s97 that are also tested - The tubes are from the Reflector plant which are the good ones. Includes Manual - It is in excellent physical condition but a 7/10 due to age. I replaced it with a Manley Steelhead and I am really not sure which sounds better.

Description 

BAT VK-P10 Tube Phono Preamplifier

Most Accurate RIAA Equalization in its Class: VK-P10 a Legendary High-End Component

Ten-Tube, Fully Balanced Design Unlocks the Deep-Seated Performance Capabilities in Virtually Any Cartridge

The component that has long served as Music Direct’s reference phonostage, the BAT VK-P10 features the most accurate RIAA equalization in its class. Factor in an all-tube design, zero feedback, dual mono construction, astounding energy reserves, and the ability to make virtually any cartridge sound its finest, and the VK-P10 qualifies as a landmark high-end product. Rave reviews in Stereophile, Positive Feedback, and other respected press outlets further attest to its magnificence. With the VK-P10, all you need to do is listen.

Incredible Dynamic Range, Exceptional Harmonic Resolution
The Balanced Audio Technology VK-P10 phonostage preamplifier features an all-tube, zero-feedback design that combines the benefits of balanced operation with a unique Flying RIAA® network.  Dual-mono construction, vacuum-tube current regulation, and enormous energy reserves are matched by complete flexibility in cartridge loading. Custom oil-filled signal capacitors are used throughout this ten-tube, fully balanced design. The result: A circuit that unlocks the hidden performance in virtually any cartridge, and a phonostage with superb dynamic range as well as the ability to resolve harmonic and reverberant detail in the quietest passages.

Records Will Sound the Way the Recording Engineer Intended
The VK-P10 employs a differential RIAA network, which allows ease of adjustment and improved common mode noise rejection. This circuit is also completely passive, with fewer components than a traditional implementation. Listeners will also enjoy improved matching of the RIAA curve to specification—with an RIAA error typically not exceeding 0.1dB! You can rest assured that all of your records will sound the way that the recording engineer intended. Vacuum-tube current sources further improve the linearity to yield a more open, textured sound. In the VK-P10, dual 6SN7 vacuum tubes portray the finest textures and harmonic structures with greater delicacy.

VK-P10: Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts
Inside, second-generation step-up transformers provide as much as a 20dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio and, correspondingly, more gain, in comparison to direct mode operation. This means you can successfully use even the lowest-output moving-coil cartridge. (For the best possible performance, the phono cartridge should be used in a matching balanced configuration.) With up to 80dB of gain available, no signal is too small! Indeed, the whole of the engineering of the VK-P10 is greater than the sum of its parts, yielding a synergy that will pay undreamed-of dividends on your vinyl investment. Just as a great phonostage should.