Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-200 Gorgeous Condition

ASKING PRICE REDUCED FROM $1800 TO $1400 FOR FINAL DAYS OF SALE

While I technically can't claim to be the sole owner of this amplifier, I can say that I'm the only person to have used it. I purchased it about five years ago in "as new condition" from a fellow Audiogon member. Since the seller was local, I wanted to check out the condition for myself before buying. It was exactly as he described it--no sign of use at all that I could see--so I bought it on the spot and it has performed flawlessly ever since.

I have used it exclusively to drive a pair of Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage speakers that I sold recently here. (Please see my feedback on that sale.) Now I'm selling the amp as part of a continuing downsizing of my hobbies.

Functionally and cosmetically, you will not find a better or more pampered VK-200, thanks to the obsessive/compulsive care that I give my gear. As the photos show, the amplifier is truly in pristine condition--not a scratch or ding anywhere. In the interest of full disclosure, there is a tiny speck of anodizing missing on the faceplate. You can see it in the full faceplate photo--it appears to be a pindot of dust--if you look diagonally from the lower right corner under the word "Technology." It was there when I bought it and while not a big deal for me, it may be for you, so I wanted to point it out.

For an amplifier of this power and capability, the Guarneris were very easy, non-taxing speakers to drive that never pushed it to break a sweat. Additionally, I only ran the amp on a floor stand in the open, to allow for maximum air circulation and never put it in a closed cabinet of any type. A Theta Gen VIII preamp/DAC was always upstream of the amp. I also have a smoke-free, pet-free home, if that sort of thing is important to you.

If you know Balanced Audio equipment, then the VK-200 needs no introduction. Not only did it receive superb reviews in the audio press (which can be accessed on the BAT website), but actual owners have rated it a 4.91 out of 5 at Audio Review.com. It has a very natural, musical sound that to my ears splits the difference between tubes and solid-state, while also delivering tube-like dimensionality, airiness and presence. Rated conservatively at 100 wpc into 8 ohms (200 wpc into 4 ohms), a couple of audio press critics noted that VK-200 performed like a significantly more powerful amp. Like all BAT products, the VK-200 is built like a tank.

If you're not familiar with BAT gear, please be aware that this amp offers balanced (XLR) inputs only. To use with unbalanced (RCA) interconnects, you'll need to buy adapters.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have that aren't answered by this description and the photographs. (All display photos can be emailed in full resolution, plus I have others not shown here.) I have the owner's manual and all original BAT packing/shipping materials.

Please add 3% to the purchase price for Paypal payments, and I would ask you to have the good sense and courtesy not to contact me with low-ball offers.

Thanks for looking and happy listening.