BALANCED AUDIO REX 3 Line Preamplifier
Best vacuum-tube amplifier for audiophiles seeking pure, high-fidelity musical realism.
The BALANCED AUDIO REX 3 is a high-performance, all-triode vacuum-tube power amplifier, engineered to recreate the original musical event with exceptional fidelity. It employs a symmetrical single-ended bridge design using four 6C33C triode tubes, operating with zero global feedback for linear response. This design delivers 80W per channel in stereo mode, featuring custom wide-bandwidth output transformers. Internal improvements include Cardas Audio Litz wiring and premium copper-foil oil capacitors, ensuring unparalleled sonic transparency and detail retrieval across the frequency extremes.
$15000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.9
/ 5
Category Rank
5
/ 2552
#5 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+82%
Above average
Output Power
8016084
/ W/channel (Stereo) or W (Mono) @ / ohms
Who it's for
- Listeners prioritizing long-term reliability and stable, low-noise performance
- Tube enthusiasts wanting high-end sound with simplified maintenance
- Audiophiles seeking ultimate transparency and holographic sound staging
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for high-value audio equipment
- Owners with limited rack space or compact listening rooms
- Users unable to provide significant ventilation for heat dissipation
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
Zero global feedback design preserves the purity of every musical note.
Power Delivery
Robust triode output effortlessly drives demanding speakers with authoritative musicality.
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty aluminum chassis and premium internal components ensure lasting high-end performance.
Frequency Extension
Wide-bandwidth transformers capture everything from deep bass to delicate high-frequency air.
Maintenance Simplicity
Integrated auto-biasing circuitry removes the typical headache of vacuum tube ownership.
Signal Path Purity
Minimalist internal architecture keeps the audio signal clean and remarkably detailed.
Key Specs
Output Power
80W/channel (Stereo) or 160W (Mono) @ 8/4 ohms
Tube Complement
6x6SN7, 4x6H30, 4x6C33C-B, 2x6V6
Frequency Response
7Hz to 200kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion
3% at full power
Dimensions
17" W x 9" H x 24" D
Weight
100 lbs
Input Impedance
215 Kohms Stereo / 108 Kohms Mono
Gain
26 dB
Features
- All-triode power amplifier design
- Zero global feedback for linearity
- Symmetrical single-ended bridge topology
- Auto-biasing and electronic protection
- Extremely short signal path implementation
- Premium Cardas Audio Litz internal wiring
- Custom wide-bandwidth output transformers
- All-aluminum chassis with enhanced venting
What customers say
The BALANCED AUDIO REX 3 Preamplifier is widely regarded as a reference component, praised for its transformative sonic performance. Owners consistently highlight its unique ability to merge the harmonic richness of tube designs with the speed and control of top tier solid state gear. The soundstage is described as massive yet focused, retrieving intricate micro details without ever becoming fatiguing. Build quality reflects its flagship status, featuring robust dual mono architecture and a silent external power supply. While expensive, investors consider the REX 3 a long term commitment to musical fidelity, often calling the resulting sonic improvement their most significant system upgrade. It is celebrated as an endgame component.
Know before you buy
By eliminating global feedback, the amplifier avoids the phase shifts and timing errors that can make music sound artificial. This design prioritizes a more natural, linear response that preserves the original texture and harmonic structure of your recordings.
Yes, the REX 3 can be configured for mono operation, which doubles the output power to 160 watts. This is an excellent option if you are driving particularly demanding speakers that require more headroom.
No, the REX 3 features an auto-biasing system that manages the tubes for you. This ensures optimal performance and longevity without the need for constant manual maintenance or technical calibration.
Cardas Litz wiring is used to minimize signal degradation and interference within the chassis. By maintaining signal purity from input to output, it helps the amplifier achieve greater transparency and detail retrieval.
Because of its significant weight and the heat generated by the vacuum tubes, you should place the REX 3 on a sturdy, dedicated equipment rack with ample clearance above and around the unit. Proper ventilation is essential to ensure the longevity of the internal components.
The 6C33C tubes are known for their high current capability and ability to deliver a rich, dynamic sound with excellent midrange presence. When paired with the REX 3's custom transformers, they provide a balanced performance that remains clear even at the frequency extremes.
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$15000