B&K EX-442 vs AVA 240 ex

[ZeroG]

Looking at a B&K EX-442 (200 wpc) as an upgrade to my Van Alstine (125 wpc) amp. I have had B&K amps before and like them. The AVA is very musical with good definition but I'm missing the bass slam of the B&K. B&K generally is a little darker sounding. I haven't heard the EX-442 before but I've heard the M200 which is the mono version of the EX-442 and it's a wonderful sounding amp.

The EX-442 is about 24 years old, so I'm concerned about the need for a re-cap. Seller wants $300 for it plus shipping, and I think that's a little much due to age. Other than that it has a great reputation.

An equalizer could add more emphasis to the bottom end of the AVA but it doesn't create more slam. I'm currently using a BBE unit to compensate for the bottom end.

Opinions and advice appreciated.

EDIT: AVA model should be 240/3 to denote 3 channel.

 

[62sunbeam]

I doubt the B&K will need to be recapped any time soon.

I've had or currently have seven different B&K amps, preamps and receivers and all have performed wonderfully save a Pro 5 pre that was actually fine but I recapped it with Silmic caps and it was like butter. Only better.

Be patient, there seems to be a pretty steady stream of B&K stuff on CL here in SoCal.

Good luck

Eric