B&k

sucks2beme
sucks2beme Posts: 5,606
edited October 2006 in Electronics
I'm looking at a B&K ST-202 Plus amp. I've currently got a Nad 2400.
Better, worse, lateral move? It has more power. 200 wpc over the Nad 100 wpc.
I really have enjoyed the warm sound from the Nad. The Denon amp I had found a new home. Right wattage, wrong sound. The Nad killed it.
There is definately something to the high current giving better low end sound.
"The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
Post edited by sucks2beme on
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited October 2006
    I have a ST-202 and really like it. . . but haven't had NAD or many other amps for comparison.

    B&K gives my speakers good low end punch, very solid built quality, simple design, big caps, good current. Sound is on the warm side according to reviews and such.

    If you can get your hands on one for a good price, try it out for a while. They seem to sell well on audiogon, Polk forum, and ebay if you choose to keep your NAD(s).
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • ESavinon
    ESavinon Posts: 3,066
    edited October 2006
    B&k blows away nad.
    I've heard the b&k and currently own nad amps.
    SRT For Life; SDA Forever!

    The SRT SEISMIC System:
    Four main satellite speakers, six powered subs, two dedicated for LFE channel, two center speakers for over/under screen placement and three Control Centers. Amaze your friends, terrorize your neighbors, seize the audio bragging rights for your state. Go ahead, buy it; you only go around once.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2006
    The amps are pretty close in warmth and dynamics, regardless of the power difference. The NAD is a more forgiving amp, due to soft clipping, in regards to load than the B&K.

    As long as the investment is cheap, go for it, but if it's a price hike...don't worry about it. The 2400 is a nice amp.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,798
    edited October 2006
    I really liked my B&K, but I thought it lacked overall dynamics at higher volumes and kind of masked the drums a bit. But then again, I didnt even realize that until I got my current amp...

    Cant go wrong.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • GATOR3000
    GATOR3000 Posts: 355
    edited October 2006
    B&K builds amps like tanks. My B&K is only 105 wpc x 5 and it does awesome job. The bass is very tight and punchy, lts of headroom for average size room. It is definitely on the warm side.

    Like AndyGwis said B&K amps have huge caps. See pic for caps size and transformer size. Even at 105 wpc my amp delivers. You can’t go wrong with 200 wpc. Go for it!!

    Gator :):)
    Theatre System 5.1
    Sumsung HP-S5053 plasma
    Receiver Denon AVR 3806 Pre/Pro
    Parasound HCA 1500A amp (front L/R)
    Parasound HCA 1000A amp (centre)
    B & K AV5000 amp (bi-amp + surround)
    Dynaco ST70 tube amp (Herbie HAL-O9)
    polkaudio Lsi15 (Cherry) 2-channel
    polkaudio Rti8 Front (Cherry)
    polkaudio Csi5 Centre
    polkaudio Rti6 Surround
    polkaudio PSW1000 Subwoofer (Cherry)
    Original A8T CD
    Pioneer DV-275 DVD Player
    MONSTER CABLE MP-HTS3500MKII Powercentre
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2006
    You better hope that pic is in the "Guts" thread...
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited October 2006
    While I have not heard the two pieces specifically I've had a bit of experience with both brands. The B&K and NAD amps are similar with neither one holding a significant advantage over the other IMO. I prefer NAD. That said, if you want to change the extra power can't hurt but I doubt it will be a "night and day" scenario.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • GATOR3000
    GATOR3000 Posts: 355
    edited October 2006
    dorokusai wrote:
    You better hope that pic is in the "Guts" thread...

    hey doro what you mean? I didn't post this one in the "Guts" thread. I think there is one B&K 5000 already, but not with closeup on the caps.

    Cheers

    Gator:) :)
    Theatre System 5.1
    Sumsung HP-S5053 plasma
    Receiver Denon AVR 3806 Pre/Pro
    Parasound HCA 1500A amp (front L/R)
    Parasound HCA 1000A amp (centre)
    B & K AV5000 amp (bi-amp + surround)
    Dynaco ST70 tube amp (Herbie HAL-O9)
    polkaudio Lsi15 (Cherry) 2-channel
    polkaudio Rti8 Front (Cherry)
    polkaudio Csi5 Centre
    polkaudio Rti6 Surround
    polkaudio PSW1000 Subwoofer (Cherry)
    Original A8T CD
    Pioneer DV-275 DVD Player
    MONSTER CABLE MP-HTS3500MKII Powercentre
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited October 2006
    Scholars maintain that Nad originally stood for "Night And Day."
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited October 2006
    AndyGwis wrote:
    Scholars maintain that Nad originally stood for "Night And Day."

    or New Acoustic Dimension...
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited October 2006
    When in Rome.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2006
    As Gator said, it's 200wpc "GO FOR IT!"
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2006
    GATOR3000 wrote:
    hey doro what you mean? I didn't post this one in the "Guts" thread. I think there is one B&K 5000 already, but not with closeup on the caps.

    Cheers

    Gator:) :)

    Yea, go ahead and post it in that thread if you don't mind...good pic.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited October 2006
    Sucks, if you turn down the B&K, let me know who's selling and what the price is. I may go for it if it's local to DFW and a good price.

    Thanks! PM me if you don't want to post info.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • GATOR3000
    GATOR3000 Posts: 355
    edited October 2006
    dorokusai wrote:
    Yea, go ahead and post it in that thread if you don't mind...good pic.

    Cool man, I will post it. I thought there was one already. Oh well.

    Cheers

    Gator:) :)
    Theatre System 5.1
    Sumsung HP-S5053 plasma
    Receiver Denon AVR 3806 Pre/Pro
    Parasound HCA 1500A amp (front L/R)
    Parasound HCA 1000A amp (centre)
    B & K AV5000 amp (bi-amp + surround)
    Dynaco ST70 tube amp (Herbie HAL-O9)
    polkaudio Lsi15 (Cherry) 2-channel
    polkaudio Rti8 Front (Cherry)
    polkaudio Csi5 Centre
    polkaudio Rti6 Surround
    polkaudio PSW1000 Subwoofer (Cherry)
    Original A8T CD
    Pioneer DV-275 DVD Player
    MONSTER CABLE MP-HTS3500MKII Powercentre
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,606
    edited October 2006
    AndyGwis wrote:
    Sucks, if you turn down the B&K, let me know who's selling and what the price is. I may go for it if it's local to DFW and a good price.

    Thanks! PM me if you don't want to post info.


    It's on the 'Bay. Local guy in Mckinney.
    http://cgi.ebay.com/B-K-ST-202-Plus-BK-ST202-Power-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ300031590967QQihZ020QQcategoryZ39783QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

    I'm thinking I'll pass. Other than power, it looks like the sound is about like I have now with the Nad. It may be time to save my nickels and dimes and stop **** around. The Snells drive up to room filling volume at about
    9:00 o'clock on the volume dial with the Nad stuff. The next stop seems to be something higher up the food chain. Maybe Conrad Johnson sa-400?
    That will cost at least twice as much, but should get me closer to where I want to be. Damn, it's hard to be frugal in this hobby.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited October 2006
    It was at $260, so I put in a $305 bid with 8 seconds left, course it went for $310 :)

    Oh well, same as what I have now +50 wpc. Thought it would be worth it to get locally for cheaper than what I got mine. Never seems to work out, though.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,606
    edited October 2006
    $310 is still not a bad price. I really hate Ebay. Some one gets deals
    there, just not me.
    I just had to think it through. I really don't need the extra wattage right now. I was looking for better sound, and the extra wattage would also be good. I'm sure the next set of speakers after these won't be anywhere as efficient.

    I'll keep looking. That magic sounding killer amp is just waiting for me out there!
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited October 2006
    dorokusai wrote:
    The amps are pretty close in warmth and dynamics, regardless of the power difference. The NAD is a more forgiving amp, due to soft clipping, in regards to load than the B&K.

    +1

    RT1
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited October 2006
    yeah, I always put in a Max Bid with about 10 seconds left and get beat, then wonder why I didn't step up and put a bigger bid in.

    Oh well, I guess for something I really wanted, I'd make more of an effort to get it. This would've been nice for $300 give or take, but it's just my ST-202 on Roids, and I don't need anything more for my current speakers anyway.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,606
    edited October 2006
    I was hoping that one would go cheap- the guy had 1 transaction.
    The real trick on EBAY is not to get caught up in the bidding.
    I have only gotten a couple of things like that. But I have NEVER paid too much!

    There is currently a guy with a NAD 2600 with ZERO transactions.
    He's got a $185 start (With a reserve)and a BIN of $375. He's in for a ruuuude
    awakening!
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited October 2006
    Yeah, I usually will bow out if it gets past what I initially want to spend. But, after getting my tax refund and being a bit drunk, I did get in a bidding war on my B&K St-202. Still got it for a reasonable price, but about $50 more than I was wanting to bid.

    Oh well, it was worth every penny :)
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • chip1
    chip1 Posts: 14
    edited October 2006
    you won't go wrong on purchasing a b&k amp i have two them and there sound is awesome, also i had a b&k pre/pro ref. 50 vers.1 and i got rid of it for a bryston 1.7 my system know consist of the following:

    bryston 1.7 pre/pro

    bryston 4bsst - for my 2ch. listening this amp is pushing my polk lsi 9's you talk about hearing details and dynamic's awesome.

    b&k ref. 200.3 for my center channel which is the polk lsci and my two left and right surrounds the polk fx300i's

    b&k ref. 2220 - 2 ch. for my rear back surround which is the cs245i i have a 6.1 system.

    monster htps-7000 power line conditioner
    monster avs-2000 voltage regulator

    sony - 555es sacd/ cd player
    denon - 2910 dvd player just for video
    scientific atlanta - 3250 hdtv cable box
    proscan - 3800 hdtv i've had this unit since 2001 i'm an early adaptor of hi-def.

    i'm using nordost blue heaven bi-wire speaker cables
    blue heaven innterconnects
    spm innterconnects for 2-ch. play back which is the sony 555-es
    cardas and nordost power cords.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited October 2006
    Chip,

    Welcome to the Forum! You have one sick system there, bet it sounds great.

    Stick around for a while, this is a good place to gain info, pass knowledge along to noobs like me, and even have a laugh or two.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,606
    edited October 2006
    Ok. new target spotted. Conrad Johnson MF200. Any one familar with this one?
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • chip1
    chip1 Posts: 14
    edited October 2006
    andygwis,

    thanks for the welcome!

    i'm burning the vocie coils on the lsi 9's.
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  • chip1
    chip1 Posts: 14
    edited October 2006
    sucks2beme,

    no i'm not familar with the cj-mf200 but i bet that amp sounds phenominal.
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