B&K Reference 200.2 vs ST125.2
smglbrth
Posts: 1,489
I'm sitting here contemplating the differences in sound/quality/dynamics of these two amps. I've had the ST for a little while now so I think I can make some comparisons between the two.
The ST literally blew me away when I brought it home. It was the best I could possibly afford at the time and I wasn't disappointed. Being married with four kids, mortage, yada yada I was thrilled with it. I got my PT3 Series II used and things just got better. For a few years now I've wanted to step up to the 200.2 just because (need I say more?). I reviewed the PT3 and ST in a previous post, ages ago it seems.
Now that I finally have a 200.2 these are my thoughts.
First thing that hit me was the presentation. Definitely more controlled as far as speakers go (still have the 8t's, don't need to change that yet). The ST has a more laid back feel to it than the 200.2. They do sound the same at lower volumes but not for long (my opinion remember). As soon as I started the volume increase I felt the 200.2 not getting louder, per se, but just more "clear". The instruments sounded more "apart", I could notice them individually. Not that I couldn't before but it is more noticeable now.
Second thing was depth. No getting around it the 200.2 has more depth to the music. The ST was the first amp I had which really made me appreciate depth, which it obviously still has but the 200.2 has more.
Third thing was clarity. I'm not talking about lower volume here, strickly mid to high volumes. As is with my experience, limited I know, the more power you had the higher you could push the volume without distortion bothering you. No different this time around. The higher the volume, comparatively with the ST, the clearer the sound was for longer. I.E. - even though the volume was higher it didn't seem like it because it was clearer.
Fourth thing was the higher end spectrum of the music. This I don't like about the 200.2. While the bass is better controlled to the point of making your heart feel like it's beating to the drums of the music the higher ends start getting noticeable, FAST. In fact it surprised me how quickly the higher end came up and was overpowering. Of course this is really moving things which I don't hardly ever do anymore so guess it's not so much of a factor. However, I will know, as with any piece of equipment with time, when to start turning the treble down when turning the volume up. The only reason I mention this point is that the ST didn't act this way in the higher volumes. With the ST I had fore-warning and with the 200.2 it just comes "right now".
All things said I do like the 200.2. Do I like it better than the ST? Hard question to answer. The 200.2 is not head over heals above the ST, in my opinion, at all. You can tell it's a different animal but not necessarily the "best". They both have their points. I think the 200.2 is better in most respects but not in one of them. The ST is better in mid volume warmth, again, in my opinion, hands down. However, it's hard not to like the better depth and clarity in these volumes where the 200.2 excels.
Dang, sometimes I hate this hobby....
The ST literally blew me away when I brought it home. It was the best I could possibly afford at the time and I wasn't disappointed. Being married with four kids, mortage, yada yada I was thrilled with it. I got my PT3 Series II used and things just got better. For a few years now I've wanted to step up to the 200.2 just because (need I say more?). I reviewed the PT3 and ST in a previous post, ages ago it seems.
Now that I finally have a 200.2 these are my thoughts.
First thing that hit me was the presentation. Definitely more controlled as far as speakers go (still have the 8t's, don't need to change that yet). The ST has a more laid back feel to it than the 200.2. They do sound the same at lower volumes but not for long (my opinion remember). As soon as I started the volume increase I felt the 200.2 not getting louder, per se, but just more "clear". The instruments sounded more "apart", I could notice them individually. Not that I couldn't before but it is more noticeable now.
Second thing was depth. No getting around it the 200.2 has more depth to the music. The ST was the first amp I had which really made me appreciate depth, which it obviously still has but the 200.2 has more.
Third thing was clarity. I'm not talking about lower volume here, strickly mid to high volumes. As is with my experience, limited I know, the more power you had the higher you could push the volume without distortion bothering you. No different this time around. The higher the volume, comparatively with the ST, the clearer the sound was for longer. I.E. - even though the volume was higher it didn't seem like it because it was clearer.
Fourth thing was the higher end spectrum of the music. This I don't like about the 200.2. While the bass is better controlled to the point of making your heart feel like it's beating to the drums of the music the higher ends start getting noticeable, FAST. In fact it surprised me how quickly the higher end came up and was overpowering. Of course this is really moving things which I don't hardly ever do anymore so guess it's not so much of a factor. However, I will know, as with any piece of equipment with time, when to start turning the treble down when turning the volume up. The only reason I mention this point is that the ST didn't act this way in the higher volumes. With the ST I had fore-warning and with the 200.2 it just comes "right now".
All things said I do like the 200.2. Do I like it better than the ST? Hard question to answer. The 200.2 is not head over heals above the ST, in my opinion, at all. You can tell it's a different animal but not necessarily the "best". They both have their points. I think the 200.2 is better in most respects but not in one of them. The ST is better in mid volume warmth, again, in my opinion, hands down. However, it's hard not to like the better depth and clarity in these volumes where the 200.2 excels.
Dang, sometimes I hate this hobby....
Remember, when you're running from something, you're running to something...-me