Used Market Value: B&K Reference amps?

drummer86

I know this is a highly subjective question, but in your opinion/experience what's the used market value of B&K's 2-channel amps like the 125.2 and 200.2?

chumlie

3 to 5 bills depending on shape & age IMO.

Emlyn

Looks like between $500 and $750 for the 200.2 based on recent Ebay sales.

The 125.2 should sell for around 300 or so, in my opinion.

aboroth00

ATI has purchased B&K and will service the amps so people might have more confidence buying used now that there's someone who services them after B&K initially went under.

zingo

B&K amps are great, but I really feel their value is nice power and SQ for less money than a similar amp. I wouldn't buy a 2-channel B&K amp over $500.

mantis

zingo wrote: »

B&K amps are great, but I really feel their value is nice power and SQ for less money than a similar amp. I wouldn't buy a 2-channel B&K amp over $500.

I would go on record to say they owned their price class. Noting was better at their repeated price points. They sat king IMO.

If you take retail price and take 50% off, thats a good price for a well kept mint condition B&K amp. If I needed an amp I would gladly pay that price range. If the condition is anything buy mint, I would expect to pay about 40% of the retail price or even less depending.

I miss B&K

drummer86

Would anyone argue that it wouldn't be an improvement over my current Rotel RB-990bx? Even if I went from the 200wpc of the Rotel to the 125wpc of the B&K? Ideally I'd be able to get both in the room at the same time, but might have to sell off the Rotel to free up the $$$ for a B&K.

bobsauto49

I sold my near mint reference 2220 for $450 about a yr ago! Very nice amp!

tonyb

drummer86 wrote: »

Would anyone argue that it wouldn't be an improvement over my current Rotel RB-990bx? Even if I went from the 200wpc of the Rotel to the 125wpc of the B&K? Ideally I'd be able to get both in the room at the same time, but might have to sell off the Rotel to free up the $$$ for a B&K.

The smaller 125 amp will only take you so far in speaker choices. Any of their amps in the 200+watt ranges are the keepers. And yes, a substantial increase in SQ over that Rotel imho.

drummer86

That's what I wanted to hear, Tony. I don't see my Totems going anywhere anytime soon with a little one running around so if I can snag one of the smaller 125.2's I don't think I'll hesitate. Holding out for a 200.2 might be okay as well.

tonyb

Snag the beefier models like I said, the smaller 125 is basically the same amp they put into their receivers. Nice as it is, it will still run out of headroom on more power hungry speakers at higher volumes.

http://www.hifishark.com/search?q=B%26K&region=&country_iso=&site_id=

Glen B

drummer86 wrote: »

I know this is a highly subjective question, but in your opinion/experience what's the used market value of B&K's 2-channel amps like the 125.2 and 200.2?

Bluebook prices are:
125.2 - $375
200.2 - $640
200.2s2 - $580.00

tonyb

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/ele/4303306315.html

5 channel for 7 bones....good deal here.

chandler9a

I just added a B&K 200.2 into my system running my SDA's. I don't think it will be going anywhere anytime soon. I also have an NAD 218 I can throw in there to compare but I think I will like the sound of the B&K better. I am not in the position to move up the ladder enough for it to make a difference, I think this is the best amp in this price point.

I would have to spend quite a bit more to improve IMO. I would really like to try out some Pass stuff someday

tonyb

Nice amp there ^^^. You'd be wise to hold on to that as long as you can. Have to spend a lot more coin to better it. At the price used B&K gear is going for, they should be at the top of anyone's short list.

11tsteve

I just got my Ref 200.2 for $500 + ship. It seems to be slipping into my system very well.

chandler9a

11Steve, I am actually using an NAD 116 pre as well with my 200.2 amp. I have an Adcom GFP 750 but I am leaving it in my fathers system for now, he likes it too much. That NAD 116 really sounds great for the price.

chandler9a

to the OP, if you can find a B&K 200.2 for under $600, I would not pass it up. The problem is, they are VERY hard to come by, I know I waited very long for mine to come up on the Gon.

hochpt21

I've had my 200.2 for a couple years now. I really enjoy it. Sounds great with the 15's, and I'm very comfortable with it (for the time being ;-)

drummer86

Why such a difference in the value of the 200.2 vs. the 200.2s2?

chandler9a

Not sure on that one

drummer86

Might be picking up a 125.2 this weekend for MUCH less than that blue book price. I know everyone said go for the 200.2 but this one is available right now and I could likely sell my Rotel for more than I'm paying for the B&K. Worth it?

bobsauto49

I'd pass, u'll be kickin yerself later wondering what a 200 would sound like!!!!!!!

tonyb

ditto ^^^^

drummer86

In all honestly, I just can't afford to spend any extra money on gears right now with a new baby and the wife staying at home. This would basically just be an amp swap. Would the B&K not be an improvement in SQ over my current Rotel? Obviously this is subjective but B&K gets a lot more love around here than Rotel. I assume that's for good reason.

tonyb

Personally, I think it's a sideways move and your better off saving the coin for the better amp. Plus your losing almost half the power. B&k amps do get a lot of love...their 200 watt plus amps that is. Don't get me wrong, the 125 is decent, but no better than a totl receiver. Even the 125 should sound better than the Rotel at lower volumes, but at higher volumes is where it will fall down because it lacks the power. If your good with that, go for it.

drummer86

Can't argue with a single point you made. Thanks!

Conradicles

Buy it and let your ears decide.

drummer86

Conradicles wrote: »

Buy it and let your ears decide.

That's probably what I'll do, I may even make a little money when I sell one of them off. Even if I don't, half the fun of the hobby is hearing different stuff in your setup right?