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Balanced Audio Technology: A Company History
Ultra-high-end audio components manufacturer celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2015
INTERNATIONAL CES, LAS VEGAS, Nevada, January 6, 2015 — Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) was founded in 1995 by Steve Bednarski, Victor Khomenko and Geoff Poor, three individuals with highly diverse backgrounds – and a shared dedication to manufacturing ultimate-performance audio components.
Steve had extensive experience in management at Hewlett Packard, while Victor had lived in Russia and had worked on cutting-edge engineering projects in the field of electronic instrumentation. Geoff had served for several years as head of marketing and sales for a major high-end loudspeaker company.
At the 1995 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas BAT introduced its first products: the VK-5 line stage and the VK-60 power amplifier. Steve recalls: “We set up our first-ever display in a small corner room at the Sahara Hotel. We had little traffic. However, we had established a strong connection with Dunlavy Audio and on the second day of the show they had the world premiere of their Duntech SC-5 in a ballroom at the Golden Nugget. They used BAT electronics and the sound was mind-blowing. The next day our room swarmed with visitors. We became the Cinderella story of CES.”
Building upon the momentum, Balanced Audio Technology’s product line gradually and methodically expanded, adding such landmark components as the VK-60 vacuum tube amplifier with its automatic-bias design and the worldwide debut of the 6H30 SuperTube in the VK-50SE preamplifier. The company has received continued support from music lovers worldwide and has earned a host of rave reviews in major audiophile publications.
As the company’s name indicates, Balanced Audio Technology offers ultra-high-end audio components based on balanced circuit topology, which inherently eliminates noise and preserves signal purity. Briefly, a balanced circuit uses two dedicated conductors for the signal’s forward and return paths. Any outside noise or interference that is common to both conductors is rejected, while the musical signal is able to pass unharmed.
The name Balanced Audio Technology refers to much more than just the company’s use of balanced circuitry, however. It reflects their commitment to excellence in every design aspect. To name just a few examples: BAT’s exclusive Unistage™ gain stage design utilizes only a single gain stage (unlike the multiple gain stages typical of most preamps) with zero feedback and no buffers or followers, along with the shortest possible signal path. The sonic result is remarkable resolution and transparency. BAT’s proprietary SUPER PAK custom paper-in-oil power supply capacitors provide massive energy storage for effortless dynamic capability. The company’s use of less-conventional, yet exceptional vacuum tubes like the 6H30 SUPER TUBE and 6C33C-B high-current dual-triode power tubes enables greater design options that yield extraordinary performance not possible by other means.In 2012, Balanced Audio Technology was purchased by Chicago business owner Jim Davis, who continues to make significant investments in the company and its personnel. These investments put BAT in a stronger position than ever to achieve greater international prominence worldwide as a premier specialist audio brand.
Today, Balanced Audio Technology offers a more diversified lineup than ever, from its elegantly simple yet versatile VK-3000SE integrated amplifier to its no-compromise, statement REX II preamplifier and power amplifier, a technological tour de force of modern engineering applied to vacuum tube amplifier design. At CES 2015 Balanced Audio Technology is entering into yet another area of innovation with the introduction of four new products: the VK-23SE and VK-43SE solid-state stereo preamplifiers and the VK-225 and VK-225SE solid-state stereo power amplifiers. These components set new value/performance benchmarks in ultrahigh-end audio component design.
Although sophisticated in engineering and execution, Balanced Audio Technology components are designed for ease of use and are precision manufactured in the United States of America to heirloom-quality standards using only the finest materials and components. Their elegant, understated industrial design reflects a distinctive blend of contemporary and classic visual elements and, like their performance, complements the finest music systems.
“High-end audio bridges the gap between merely listening to reproduced sound and being captivated by an astonishingly realistic representation of the musical experience,” said Steve Bednarski “Creating components that make that musical and emotional connection is what we’ve been dedicated to for the last 20 years, and that’s what continues to drive us today – and will continue to inspire us tomorrow.”
For more information in the U.S. on Balanced Audio Technology products, contact:
Geoff Poor, Balanced Audio Technology
Press Contacts:
800-255-4228
Clyne Media, Inc.
615-662-1616
Email: robert@clynemedia.com
Frank Doris 631-645-5668 Email: frankdoris@frankdoris.com
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