B&K Reference 30 pre/pro

NeilGabriel

This is one of the best sounding pieces of electronics I have heard. It has digital inputs as well as DVD-Audio inputs for multi-channel sources such as Blu-Ray for playing decoded Dolby THD and DTS MA. The sound is incredibly clear without any mechanical harshness, and with solid but not mushy bass.

I bought this from fishbones about 4-5 months ago. I no longer need it as I also got a Ref 20 and a Rotel and Denon receiver around the same time.

The unit is in exceptional condition. I could find only two pinhead nicks that are not visible from a foot away (at least to me).

All outputs and inputs, channels and digital formats were checked out last week and worked as they should.

$380 shipped to CONUS only. Also listed on Agon for $425 shipped. Two remotes and heavy duty power cord. Retailed around $2800.

Full refund if DOA and shipped back at my expense within 7 days; any other issues, you can return within 7 days for full refund but shipped at your expense.

Paypal preferred. Add 3% if there will be PP fees.

This is a tremendous value for great equipment.

NeilGabriel

While watching the Eagles take a hit, I remembered that when I had the pre/pro hooked up with a Rotel RB-985, I thought that the right rear channel played at a lower volume than the rest. Fishbones (Troy?) told me he had never had a problem. I then switched some components and it seemed to be fine. So, I am not sure if there is a problem there or not. But, it ran fine after the switch. Because I then went to a receiver in the HT, I have used the B&K in my 2 channel system. At its price, it makes a great 2 channel pre as well.

fishbones

2-channel music is done very well by this unit. (I would know :biggrin:). Surround sound I didn't take to nearly it's potential (always had crappy dvd source). For music, it nearly kept up with a Cary Tube Pre - not an easy feat...Tubes won out only in smoothness, but everything else was right on. And like Michael said, I had no issues with it. GLWTS!

mantis

While I owned the B&K avr307 (which had a ref 30 built in) it'ss very musical and one of the finest preamps money can buy under 3000.00 of that era. Theater is done very well with this pre and it has room correction in it's notch filters. Bass is where things tend to need the most correction hence why B&K choose to do correction here. Very advanced for it's time.

Good luck with the sale , this should make someone very happy if looking for a high quality preamp and doesn't need video switching over HDMI.

EDUBAG

would this go well with a rotel rb 990bx? i am looking for a pre for that amp to ise as a two channel system with my rtia7

please advise,

regards,

eduardo

NeilGabriel

In my opinion, this functions as a great 2 channel preamp. I had been using it with a Rotel RB-985 before I decided it didn't make sense to use a multi-channel system for 2 channel. I bought the Rotel 1050 receiver to replace them. It sounded great in my system with LSi9's.

fishbones also commented above about his use of this very unit in a 2 channel system.

inspiredsports

That looks like it might be the most versatile pre I've eve seen! Dang, there are about 100 different places to plug things into the back of it. At your amazing $380 price that's under $4.00 per connection! Good luck with the sale.

NeilGabriel

I am going to take the big hit on this so I can get some additional money for Rotel receiver repairs.

$360 shipped to CONUS.

I also have the B&K Ref 20, does not have the multi-channel inputs; otherwise, very much the same as the Ref 30. I don't use either because I bought HT receivers (so kick me off the forum!).

The Ref 20 is $325 shipped to CONUS.

shawn474

NeilGabriel wrote: »

I am going to take the big hit on this so I can get some additional money for Rotel receiver repairs.

$360 shipped to CONUS.

I also have the B&K Ref 20, does not have the multi-channel inputs; otherwise, very much the same as the Ref 30. I don't use either because I bought HT receivers (so kick me off the forum!).

The Ref 20 is $325 shipped to CONUS.

If you ever decide that you're up for a trade I would give you my psb 5.0 speaker set for the reference 30. Just a thought.

Shawn

danz1906

Great pre- If I remember correctly you can set-up all kinds of pre-sets.
Good luck with the Sale!

NeilGabriel

shawn: what would they cost to ship do you think...?....do you know how they compare to some other Polk speakers...like a Monitor 5, 4?

I don't really need more speakers....but I do need MONEY! I see a lot of the Polk surround speakers on Craigslist.

shawn474

NeilGabriel wrote: »

shawn: what would they cost to ship do you think...?....do you know how they compare to some other Polk speakers...like a Monitor 5, 4?

I don't really need more speakers....but I do need MONEY! I see a lot of the Polk surround speakers on Craigslist.

Mike,
Not sure what they would cost to ship, but I would definitely help out with that. The only polk speakers I have really tried out in my system are the older RT series and the TSi series. They obviously don't have the bass response that the Polk models do due to sheer size, but the midrange and tweeters perform very admirably for HT and musicality. They are a maple color and are easily mounted. All in all, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better setup for the price (and we could do an even trade if we can figure out how to split the shipping costs) if you're interested.

NeilGabriel

Sale pending on Audiogon.

How about that Ref 20....still a charmer!

raffi

Dang NG, I'm glad this is selling on AG....it was gnawing at me mind.

NeilGabriel

the Ref 20 is even a better deal! cables are a week old and ran about $45.

raffi

I know I know, but I need a turntable 1st...damnit! And since I'd only be using it for 2 channel, I'm guessing it wouldn't be any less of a performer than the 30. Argghhh...somebody please buy this.:rolleyes:

NeilGabriel

The old Ref 20 was the heart of my 2 channel for about a year...until lightning got her...used it with both a NAD C262 2 channel amp and a Rotel 5 channel where I biamped the LSi9's...it sounds good using digital or analog inputs...I can see you drooling....

Systems

it sounds good using digital or analog inputs...I can see you drooling....

I have to agree 100%.
You can't go wrong, I have the 20 & 30 and would not sell them because they offer performance way out of their price range.
You would have to spend waaaay more $ to get better performance IMHO!

PSOVLSK

How would you compare the Rotel 1050 to the Ref 20?

DON73

NeilGabriel wrote: »

Sale pending on Audiogon.

How about that Ref 20....still a charmer!

If the AUDIGON sale doesn't go through PM me.

DON73

Found one! Disregard request for PM.