B&K EX-442 vs 2220

[Crang]

My main amp needs to come down for repair again (grrrr). I have been meaning to get a backup so it may be time. I had sold all my SS stuff when the tube bug bit, but Im definitely curious about using a SS amp again now that my Pre and Phono Preamp are tubes. Anyway- there are 2 B&K amps locally in my price range. A EX-442 Sonata for $450 and a Reference 2220 for $500. I haven't tried to negotiate price on either but would if I was serious. Based on going rates it seems the 442 should be about $400 and the 2220 is a good price as is.

The specs between them are totally identical across the board expect the 2220 puts out 20 more watts into 8 ohms but is identical at 4 ohms. My DQ-20 speakers are 6 ohms (4 ohms minimum). The 2220 is 10 years newer so that's a plus from a maintenance perspective. The 442 seems to be very highly regarded though with much more written about it- is it a better amp? Different sonic signature? Anyone have experience with both? Seems to be a lot less about the 2220 and other than age trying to determine if its worth the extra coin or if the 442 is ultimately be better after a refresh.

 

[SeaPB]

Not sure if you ever got an answer to this...I'm less familiar with the 442 other than what I've read. I have owned several B&K amps....(2) ST2140, 125.2, 200.2, 200.5, AV6125 and 2220. I have had zero issue with all of them. I started with the (2) ST2140's when I bought them new. Then expanded/upgraded along the way. I recently sold off some of that equipment as it wasn't getting used. I currently have in use: HT 200.5 powering the 5.1 and the AV6125 on hand for when I get Atmos speakers installed. In the stereo set-up I have the 2220 but am still comparing the 200.2. Honestly, these two amps are identically spec'd and performance wise are also identical. I believe internally they are identical with the only differences being: 1) Faceplate (200.2 has radius edges/corners and blue LED while the 2220 has squared edges/corners and red LED), 2) 2220 has line level adj for the unbalanced inputs...both have balanced inputs but 200.2 did away with the level adj. So, you can read a lot about the 200 series amps (200.2/200.5/200.7) and cross-apply that to the 2220. I believe the 2220 was discontinued when the 200 series was released. 2004 maybe? While there are minimal changes in the last decade of B&K's production there was more significant changes between the 442 era and the 2220 era.

All of that to say that I believe there will be a sonic difference between the 442 and the 2220 even if there isn't a "qualitative" difference. I would default to the 2220 because it's newer and I'm personally familiar with it. It should have no issue driving those DQ20's. In terms of maintenance, B&K is no longer around and ATI doesn't support the legacy products. However, any local quality electronics guy could maintain/repair it. They are generally bullet proof but things happen.

 

[SeaPB]

I also just looked up the specs. The EX442 was made from 88-93. The first three years (88-90) used Hitachi cans and were spec'd lower in p-to-p amperage (50 vs 75), dynamic head room (1.8dB vs 1.2dB), dampening factor (350 vs 450), etc. The later version (90-93) used Toshiba and were named EX442 Sonata. This later one is same specs as the 2220/200.2.

I'm sure both amps could be a sound purchase (no pun intended but I kinda like it) but I would definitely defer to the later version even if $50 higher in price. FYI - I paid $450 recently for my 2220 and it is in mint condition.

 

[Crang]

I also just looked up the specs. The EX442 was made from 88-93. The first three years (88-90) used Hitachi cans and were spec'd lower in p-to-p amperage (50 vs 75), dynamic head room (1.8dB vs 1.2dB), dampening factor (350 vs 450), etc. The later version (90-93) used Toshiba and were named EX442 Sonata. This later one is same specs as the 2220/200.2.

I'm sure both amps could be a sound purchase (no pun intended but I kinda like it) but I would definitely defer to the later version even if $50 higher in price. FYI - I paid $450 recently for my 2220 and it is in mint condition.

Thanks that really helps. A 200.2 popped up near me so its actually down to that or the 2220. Since the 200.2 is $100 more Ive been wondering if it would sound $100 better. You just answered my question- seems like the 2220 is going to be the way to go. I spoke to Musical Concepts as to which one of the 3 would sound best after the mods in case I decide to do that eventually. He thought the 200.2 and 2220 were both better than the 442 due to power supply improvements.

 

[SeaPB]

I personally don't think the 200.2 is worth $100 more at this point in time. Although, there are definitely more 200 series amps on the used market and few if any are listed for under $600...most are in the $800 range. The rare 2220 you see is usually hovering around the $500. So potential resale value may warrant springing for the higher priced unit. They are essentially the same amp internally and while the 200.2 is maybe 1 year newer (5 at most) and the Series 2 is at most 7 years newer yet they are all twenty years old at this point (or nearly so).

In listening to them A/B on my system I do not notice a sonic difference at all. I kinda like the blue LED instead of the red so that would be one reason to lean towards the 200.2. Not sure how negotiable either price is but I'd try. Truthfully, I think you'd be happy with either one (or equally unhappy if they don't float your boat coming from tubes). Not sure of those Musical Concepts mods but that sounds interesting. All in for $1000 basically (used amp + mods)...

 

[Crang]

For $100 I can change an LED.....Im actually preferential to orange lol. I figured if Im happy with SS at least there is an upgrade path for this one. Even if I prefer tubes, in our 108 degree summers here my HVAC struggles if I use the oven. Assume tube amp (with 12 tubes) isn't helping so may be worth pulling it out seasonally either way. I could see tinkering with biamping at some point with SS on the LF and tubes for the mids and HF. I hadn't noticed the 2220 can have its line levels adjusted and the 200.2 can't. That may come in handy down the line. The 200.2 definitely looks better and looks to have nicer binding posts but seems like the 2200 is a better choice. May see if I can get it for $400.....

 

[SeaPB]

There are a couple more changes I didn't enumerate above...the binding posts on the 200.2 are nicer and the 200.2 has the inputs located by each channel whereas the 2220 has the inputs located together on the left (as viewed from the front) side. I would say the red LED is closer to Sooner red than it is to Longhorn's color...but you can be the judge ;-). If you use the line levels then that makes the 2220 the only choice.

Good luck with your acquisition.

 

[Txsaxkat]

Don't rule out the reference 4420 if one pops up at a good price. A few years back I picked up a pair 4420 and a 4430 for 500 bucks. Although the 3 channel 4430 has the same driver boards it does not have the detail in the upper end like the 4420 . It has been talked about by others and I confirmed it . So I am bi amping and have the 4430 on bottom end and 4420 on topend . Prices have been going up on B&K amps .

 

[Crang]

Picked up the 2220 today. Ended up settling for $450. Realized I had never run my Dahlquists on SS or anything other than my RM9 for that matter, so had no frame of reference. I'm definitely surprised. It's pretty much the opposite of my expectations in comparison. It's a brighter amp than the RM, despite being known as tube-like and dark. The mids and HF sound a touch more open. The bass is very very close to the RM but actually sounds slightly less powerful and controlled. Definitely less organic sounding. I had assumed bass would improve and mids and HF would be worse and got the opposite. Made me realize how dark my RM is. I have not had a second amp with enough power in my main system to compare it to anything at all. Looking forward to letting my ears adjust and swap in the other one just to see. Dickey Betts is finally getting the tribute he deserves tonight finally. I already appreciate not having to turn a fan on to keep it cool- will be nice in the morning when I listen to classical at very low volumes.

Anyway- thanks for all the help. Considering what I paid vs my regular amp its a total win. I'm sure I'll start wondering about the Musical Concepts mods eventually. Anyone with B&K experience play with different power cords? I have some gear that responds well and others it doesn't make a difference even a little. Using a basic cheapo on here for now.