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B&K comparison

J

Jctdk

Member
Hi.

I have a B&K st140 with the PRO5 and I really enjoy the combo.

I wonder if the newer B&K is about the same sonic wise?

Something like a st2140 or similar? Would these amplifiers be more or less the same?

My speakers are Epi M201 and M150.

All opinions are welcome.

Kind regards
JCT-DK
 
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B&K ST 140: 105w @8 ohms. No 4 ohm rating listed. 14 P-P amps
B&K ST 2140: 140w @8 ohms/185w @4 ohms. 30 P-P amps.

I doubt you would hear any difference in sound, between the 2.
 
What is it you're wanting? More power; better sound; increased detail, etc.? Also, what's your budget?

The B&K line produces a very musical (as opposed to sterile), tube like sound, but they're not the most detailed. I say that as an owner of a B&K ex4420 (currently in the closet).
 
Since the st140 is getting older I was just looking for an equal replacement but I want to keep the nice tone of the st140.

Not looking for more details or air really but if the 2140 would be the best way to go I will look for one.

But frankly it doesn't really what model?
I just want to have sufficient power to drive my Epi speakers.
 
I believe the 2140 was made by ATI?

Would the 1400 and series ii be the last and newest version of the 140 made by "old" b&k with the classic tone?

I am not looking for more details, transparency or a revealing amplifier.

Thanks.
 
ATI bought out B&K in 2010. The 2140 was manufactured between '00-'02. The 1400 between '93-98, and the series ii between '98-'00. Your ST-140 was made between '88-'93, so only about 10 years older than the 2140.

I don't know that ATI actually manufactured anything with the B&K label; but simply purchased the company for the assets (whatever they may have been).

Having once owned the Epicure M201's, I don't recall them being at all difficult to drive. Any 100w+ amp would be more than sufficient. The 2140 is 140w (8ohm) and 185w (4ohm) with 30 P-P amps. (I found the M201's to sound much better on the 4 ohm setting.)

If you think you might want different speakers in the future, I'd suggest the ex4420 or Ref4420. Both have about the same power (200/225 @ 8ohms) but also have higher P-P amps (70/75). Some speakers, like my KEF 104/2's really like that higher power/current.

Good luck with whatever you decide to get.
 
Great thanks for listing and making a comment on some of the B&K amplifiers.

It was very useful.

I think I will try to go for the EX4420. Do you know when it was manufactured?

I am about to get my hands on a PRO 10
Mc sonata preamp to go with it.
 
St140 is easy to refurb, I’d suggest getting yours serviced. I did mine and it’s playing in my office right now.. sounds nice.
 
Jctdk said:
I think I will try to go for the EX4420. Do you know when it was manufactured?
Click to expand...
The ex4420 was manufactured '93-'98. The Ref4420 was manufactured '98-'00.

Jctdk said:
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Seem like a reasonable price, if all works well. Although, this appears to the be the sellers first post, and therefore has no feedback. Personally, I'd be hesitant.
 
Do you got more info about the Pro 600
It has a fan, dual power supply, 10 transistors each size
around $1100 in late 80s
 
At some point B&K went away from speaker protection fuses.

Do you know why and if its a problem for the later models?
 
Does someone know how to clean the metal chassis of the st140 first generation? I do have some marks and scratches here and there especially on the front.

Is the only way to paint it over?
 
For the time I have catched my attention on a ex442 sonata the red/blue version without handles and with the heatsinks inside.

Would this version be reliable or worse/better than the older versions or the same?

Any comments on the ex442 sonata in particular?
 
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