B&K Ref 20 pre-pro

AndyGwis
AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
edited June 2007 in Electronics
I just picked up a B&K ST-1430 recently, and have come across a couple nice B&K Ref-20 prepros. Not 100% sure I want to make the jump to a pre-pro from my HK 635, but it is tempting to say the least.

Anyone have experience with this piece? What might I expect going from using my HK 635 to the Ref 20? What is a fair price for one in very good condition?

Thanks! I love my HK 635, but I am a sucker for B&K gear (have owned two amps and a preamp of theirs with great results). So much for not upgrading my HT. . .
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
Post edited by AndyGwis on
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Comments

  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,206
    edited June 2007
    The Ref 20 is a fine preamp. It's also upgradable to the ref 30 spec's. B&K allows you to send it in and get it over hauled. It's sweet.
    I'm not sure on a good price for it... maybe 600.00??? If you can get one cheap enough, I'd say go for it.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited June 2007
    I can get one off Agon for $400 + shipping. Sound like a good deal? Basically would be trading my HK 635 for the Ref 20 as I think $400-$450 is about what I'd get for the HK.

    B&K will upgrade it to a Ref 31 for the awesomely affordable price of $988 + shipping! What a deal! Maybe they aren't aware the Ref 30 can be had for much cheaper, and the Ref 50 is usually found in like new condition for $1000.

    For an extra $1200, they will throw in a 125.7 amp. Outstanding, get a 6 year old pre-pro for $400, then drop only $1000 - $2200 more to further upgrade your system.
    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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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,020
    edited June 2007
    The pre is nice,but I would be looking up the chain to a ref 30 or 50.I have seen the ref 307 avr go for under a grand on the gon.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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