Tube Preamp Reviews

Balanced Audio Technology VK-51SE line preamplifier Associated Equipment

Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment

Analog sources: SOTA Cosmos Series III turntable, Graham 2.2 tonearm, Dynavector XV-1S cartridge.
Digital sources: Esoteric DV-50 universal digital player, Classé Omega SACD player.
Preamplification: Manley Labs Steelhead, Aesthetix Rhea phono stages; Mark Levinson No.32 Reference, VTL TL-7.5 Reference line stages.
Power amplifiers: Lamm M2.1 & ML1.1, VTL MB-450 Signature, Manley 250 Neo-Classic monoblocks; Plinius SA-102, Hovland Radia, Edge NL-12.
Loudspeakers: Calix Phoenix Grand Signature, Legacy Focus 20/20, EgglestonWorks Andra II.
Cables: Phono: Hovland Music Groove 2. Interconnect: Acoustic Zen Silver Reference & Matrix Reference, Nordost Valhalla. Speaker: Nordost Valhalla & SPM, Acoustic Zen Satori Shotgun, Stereovox LSP-600, Cardas Golden Reference. AC: Shunyata Anaconda & Anaconda Vx, Acoustic Zen Gargantua & Gargantua II, Wireworld Silver Electra 3+.
Accessories: Shunyata Hydra, Monster HT 7000 Signature power distribution & conditioning (front-end); Grand Prix Audio Monaco & Ultra Resolution Technologies Bedrock stands, Ganymede isolation footers; Caig Labs Pro Gold; Ayre/Cardas IBE system-enhancement CD, Cardas Frequency Sweep/Burn-In LP; Argent Room Lenses, Disc Doctor & LAST Labs record-care products.—Paul Bolin