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Jonathan Scull: Victor, why balanced circuits, if you please?

Victor Khomenko: I remember reading an article that said balanced topology is inherently much more complicated than single-ended. They felt it was a cumbersome way of building circuits. And they provided proof in the form of a very ugly circuit representing "balanced" configuration.

Now, of course, a balanced circuit can be ugly. But that doesn't mean that every balanced circuit has to be like that. On the contrary, when properly implemented, a balanced circuit…

The BAT VK-P10 was measured as delivered: set up for a typical low-output moving-coil. All measurements were made from the balanced inputs to the balanced outputs.

The BAT's voltage gain measured 55dB (1kHz). S/N (ref. 1V) was 64dB from 22Hz to 22kHz, 61.2dB from 10Hz to 500kHz (both unweighted), and 78.7dB A-weighted. Pin 2 of the balanced configuration was positive. The input impedance was 46.7k ohms in the left channel, 47.2k ohms in the right.

Fig.1 shows the VK-P10's frequency response/RIAA error into the Audio Precision System One's 100k ohm…

Description: Tube phono preamplifier. Tube complement: two 6922, two 6SN7. Inputs: RCA single-ended and XLR balanced. Outputs: XLR balanced (RCA adapters available). Gain adjustable between 50 and 78dB. Loading switch adjustable for 100 ohms to 47k ohms. Capacitance switch adjustable between 100pF and 1000pF. Power consumption: 150VA maximum.
Dimensions: 19" W by 5.5" H by 14" D. Weight: 35 lbs.
Serial number of unit reviewed: OP100050.
Price: $4000 (1997). Approximate number of dealers: 42. Warranty: 5 years if registration form sent in within 30 days…

At the end of the last century—before phonograph records, television, "talking" films, and video—the world's concert halls and opera stages enjoyed the music of real live…

There are five individual categories: Loudspeakers (including subwoofers), Amplification Components (preamplifiers, power amplifiers, etc.), Digital Sources (CD players, transports, processors), Analog Sources (phono cartridges, turntables, tonearms, FM tuners, etc.), and Accessories (everything else).

The two most important categories, however, are the "Product…

Avantgarde Uno (review)
($10,970-$12,970/pair, depending on finish; reviewed by Robert Deutsch, Vol.23 No.9, September 2000 )

Dynaudio Evidence (review) ($85,000/pair; reviewed by Larry Greenhill, Vol.23 No.5, May 2000)

Runners-Up (in alphabetical order):
Acarian Systems Alón Circe ($12,000/pair; reviewed by Wes Phillips & Jonathan Scull, Vol.22 No.5 & Vol.23 No.4, May 1999 & April 2000)
Infinity Prelude MTS (review) ($8000/pair; reviewed by Michael Fremer, Vol.23 No.5, May 2000)
Magnepan MG3.6/R ($4200/pair;…

McIntosh MC2000 Commemorative Edition power amplifier (review) ($15,000; reviewed by Sam Tellig & Jonathan Scull, Vol.22 No.11 & Vol.23 No.3, November 1999 & March 2000)

Runners-Up (in alphabetical order):
Accuphase M-2000 power amplifier ($27,000; reviewed by Jonathan Scull, Vol.23 No.2, February 2000)
Audio Research Reference Two preamplifier (review) ($9995; reviewed by Michael Fremer, Vol.23 No.9, September 2000)
Balanced Audio Technology VK-50SE preamplifier ($7000; reviewed by Jonathan Scull, Vol.22 No.12,…

Rockport Technologies System Sirius III turntable (review) ($73,750 with tonearm; reviewed by Michael Fremer, Vol.23 No.8, August 2000)

Runners-Up (in alphabetical order):
Basis Gold Debut Vacuum turntable ($8200; reviewed by Michael Fremer, Vol.23 No.1, January 2000)
Grado Reference Platinum phono cartridge ($300; reviewed by Robert J. Reina, Vol.23 No.4, April 2000)
Lyra Helikon phono cartridge ($2495; reviewed by Michael Fremer, Vol.23 No.8, August 2000)
Music Hall MMF 5 turntable ($499 with arm and cartridge; reviewed by Michael…

PS Audio P300 Power Plant (review) ($995; reviewed by Robert Deutsch & John Atkinson, Vol.22 No.12 & Vol.23 Nos.5 & 12, December 1999, May 2000, & December 2000)

Runners-Up (in alphabetical order):
Arcici Suspense Rack ($2299; reviewed by Shannon Dickson, Vol.23 No.1, January 2000)
ASC Tube Traps ($248-798; reviewed by Brian Damkroger, Vol.23 No.2, February 2000)
Bright Star Rack of Gibraltar 2 Equipment Rack ($1995; reviewed by Brian Damkroger, Vol.23 No.5, May 2000)
Cardas Golden Cross loudspeaker cable ($1428/5' pair;…

Sony SCD-1 Super Audio CD player (review) ($5000; reviewed by Jonathan Scull & Michael Fremer, Vol.22 No.11, November 1999)

Runners-Up (in alphabetical order):
Accuphase DP-75V CD player (review) ($11,000; reviewed by Jonathan Scull, Vol.23 No.7, July 2000)
Arcam FMJ CD23 CD player (review) ($1999; reviewed by Lonnie Brownell, Vol.23 No.7, July 2000)
Burmester Reference Line 969 CD transport & 970 DAC ($60,500; reviewed by Kalman Rubinson, Vol.22 No.12, December 1999)
California Audio Labs Sigma II D/A processor ($750; reviewed…