B&K Reference 20 preamp question

gudnoyez

I found a B&K Reference 20 preamp locally for $110 I wonder how it would sound for 2 channel, I understand you can use it as a 5.1 set up. I have been looking for seperates, would this be a good pre and what amp would match up with this? Is it worth it for 2 channel I have heard B&K are pretty good buys. if I get it for that price I only need to hunt down a amp. opinions would be great.

PSOVLSK

I'm pretty sure I paid close to $200 for a Ref 10, so this seems like a great price to me. I used the Ref 10 in a 2-channel setup and was very happy with it. FYI, I bought from another forum member who was using it for 2-channel. For $110 you can't go wrong if it's in good working order.

soundfreak1

Ive owned the 20 and the ref. 30. Used in ht and 2 ch. Decent for a hundo but nothing special. Just one of about a doz. I played with before i got a dared tube unit. Mind u the dares cost a lot more. But

gudnoyez

Thanks what amp did you have hooked up to it, if you don,t mind me asking. I'am looking to get into seperates without breaking the bank and if I have to wait a while until a good deal then I could wait. I have a couple of integrated amps that do the job well, I hear from so many Forum members the difference is night and day. I think getting a deal on the pre is a start.

PSOVLSK

Carver tfm-55

Don't know that the difference would be night and day, but the price is right to dip your toe in and see what you think.

Here's the link where I bought mine: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?98319-B-amp-K-Reference-10-preamp

Systems

I had the 20,30 and ref. 50.
I still have the Ref. 20 in a second system.:cheesygrin:

I used them with several different amps, and thought they were a perfect match with the Rotel amps.

YMMV.

Sounded really good with a B&K ST2140 also.

I think you would be happy with it for 2 ch. and I would get it at that price.

tonyb

You won't do better for the price my friend, and an excellent choice to just getting started down the rabbit hole. Grab it, you'll dig the sound.

11tsteve

i saw that ad, and its OBO.... offer him $95 and grab it

soundfreak1

I use tje B&K'S during my "searching " stage so i used several amps on the 20 & 30 ended up keeping. And mod/restoring a parasound HCA 1200 . Regretable the only way to fine the best amp/ pre combo is to get your ears on them
listen to friends sys. Or but and amp try it and find out what u like. Each amp and pre is going to sound diff.it like ice cream mostly all good but find the flavor u like best and the only way to know is to taste them.its a process! Not to mention a lot of fun learning wjat u like about each amp and pre. If u intend to use vintage equip. Which i recomemd when starting out (cost)

soundfreak1

Continued.... Buy amps at reasonanle prices ( be patient) try it learn it and them upgrade. Sell the old one to finance the next. And so on. Took me about 5. Yrs to build my main rig this way as im not wealthy. But in the "end" ( LOL AS TJIER IS NO END!) U CAN GET THE SOUND U WANT.

mantis

It's a steal for that price even if your only going to use it for 2 channel. I'm completely in on this idea and it's a fantastic preamp for 2 channel all day every day.

B&K has a warm wonderful tone to it and can make just about anyone happy. Yeah there is better stuff out there but beat that asking price.

72RR

I've been a big B&K fan for years. They have always worked well stereo or surround.
At that price, grab it.
You'll be surprised how well it sounds for 2-channel.

gudnoyez

Thanks for all your responses everyone. I left a message and hope to hear from the seller.