B&K ST2140 w/ SDA 1C

sfosselman

Been looking at using a B&K ST2140(140 watts per channel into 8Ω) to power my 1C's. I listen at respectable volume in a medium sized space. Right now I am using an Emotiva XPA-2(300 watts RMS per channel @ 8 ohm) but there seems to be no love for their gear and B&K has been mentioned more than a few times. Of course I would love to get my hands on a Parasound A21 but unfortunately my boss refuses to give me more money. Greedy **** Any thoughts gents?

michaeljhsda2

Just curious if the Emotiva is to your liking, aside what other folks think about it. Have you thought about tube amps?

sfosselman

The Emotiva amp has plenty of power, good sound stage, but can sound a bit harsh as times...I am in the process of upgrading tweeters which should smooth out the high end. I have used tubes in the past with a pair of Klipsch with good results but I still prefer solid state due to the fact I am 50/50 music and movies. Maybe in the future I could do a tube pre with SS amp but that is a whole animal I don't wish to wrestle with right now. The SDA rabbit hole is plenty deep enough to keep me occupied

sfosselman

Also have a good lead on a McCormack DNA-.5..Do you think that will be enough power for the large SDA's?

dkfreebird

The McCormack would be my choice.I'm running that amp with fully modded 2.3tl's and it is wonderful.More than enough power.

MrBuhl

Agree - I have run my 1c's with a B&K ST1400II and a McCormack DNA-1, the B&K was just too warm for my tastes, and didn't feel like it could really control the 1c's, the McCormack has power, detail and control in spades.

motorstereo

I have a 2140 and I like the sound of it on my Concert Grands and stacked Mac ML1C's. I never tried it on my sda's as I just don't think it would do them justice. I'm thinking you'd be disappointed going from your 300 wpc Emo to the 140 wpc B&K. Emo's do get a bad rap but my Emo ERC 3 cd player has sent a handful of what should be better sounding cd players packing. Who cares about the bad rap unless you're trying to impress someone or something other than your own ears

[Deleted User]

I like the ERC 3 as well (sans quirks)
I haven't listened to all Emo amps, but the ones I have
lose on detail and harshness at high levels vs BK.
Just sayin' don't think this is furthering the OP's question
much. Get a 2220 or a 4430 if you can't get a McCormack.

tonyb

rednedtugent wrote: »

I Get a b&k 2220 or a 4430 if you can't get a McCormack.

This ^^^^ or a Parasound 1200 or 1500.

Nightfall

The 4430 is a 3 channel amp, I think you mean the 4420?

[Deleted User]

No, the 4430. I noticed a little hum pickup from the right channel next to the power source. With the three channel you could move it father away from the power...

dhart86

tonyb wrote: »

rednedtugent wrote: »

I Get a b&k 2220 or a 4430 if you can't get a McCormack.

This ^^^^ or a Parasound 1200 or 1500.

pm sent

tonyb

nbrowser wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

rednedtugent wrote: »

I Get a b&k 2220 or a 4430 if you can't get a McCormack.

This ^^^^ or a Parasound 1200 or 1500.

tonyb, I'd have to agree, the 1200II has zero issues handling a pair of 4 ohm SDAs. It's scary good to be honest with the old girls.

Yep, that's the one piece that set you on the path to become the monster that you are. ....a slightly more broke monster at that. lol

Yet all amps sound the same and receivers are good enough for most home applications according to some.

gmcman

I was using a B&K ST 202 with my 2B then went to the 200.2, the difference was dramatic. The 200.2 has not only more watts, but more current which is a huge factor.

I was looking at some 1C's also in the beginning but the 2B's came along at the right price, also the amp requirements for the 1C if I'm not mistaken are about double that of the 1C.

I would strongly suggest replacing the tweeters first, my SL2000 to the 198 swap was the single greatest change I made next to all fresh caps.

I wouldn't try chasing a harsh sounding speaker with different amps until you get the new tweeters installed.

Amps with alot of current are what you need.

sfosselman

I agree...new tweeters have arrived and I'm just waiting for my upgraded crossovers to finish my 1C upgrades Right now it looks like I’m deciding between the Parasound HCA 1200 II and the McCormick DNA .5. I realize the McCormick would be the superior amp but it seems that the Parasound has good synergy with the Polks.

Nightfall

I'd take the McCormack over B&K or Parasound. IIRC you can even send them to Steve McCormack to have them upgraded. I own a B&K because it was cheap.

sfosselman

Well I decided to save some money and buy the Parasound HCA-1200 II. I will still be on the look out for a McCormick Deluxe .5 if anyone has a lead but I think this will be a god match for the 1C's

dkfreebird

I still use that amp with my other Sda's and they are a great match. Congrats on the Parasound.

sfosselman

Thanks dkfreebird

dkfreebird

If you can,get you a tube preamp and you will be set.

sfosselman

Any flavor in particular I should be on the look out for?

dkfreebird

I'm running a Dared Sl 2000a.It is a nice entry level pre and you can roll different tubes to get the sound you like.I've learned lot from the folks on here and it just keeps getting better.

sfosselman

Thanks for the help

dkfreebird

Sorry just read one of your previous post about using tubes before and using half and half music and movies.I'm running two different systems.

sfosselman

Its all good...I may just experiment with tubes in the future

F1nut

A very nice tube pre for not much, a used VTL 2.5. You can thank me later.

txcoastal1

F1nut wrote: »

A very nice tube pre for not much, a used VTL 2.5. You can thank me later.

Looks to be in good condition
http://www.ebay.com/itm/401026610196?rmvSB=true

F1nut

26 bids with 9 days left.....idiots.

sfosselman

That looks like it could get pricey.

F1nut

They usually sell in the $800 to $1200 range used depending on age and condition. I believe it is still a current product.

sfosselman

I'll keep an eye on it...thanks