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Thinking about a B&K ST-120

mythless

mythless

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Being a tad bored and wanting to change up my system, I saw a B&K ST-120 for sale locally. I was toying the idea of replacing my Crown D75 for the B&K in my bi-amped setup. Mainly to reduce the amount of knobs that I have to turn and I am a fan of Mosfet amps.

I've looked online and there is not much to say on these unit.

Anyone have any experieces, good or bad, on these units? I've attached a picture.
 

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The manufacturer was highly regarded by the Audio Press especially the St-140. Look for reviews from the 1980s. B & K “borrowed” the design from Jensen’s Stereo Shop and I had one of those in a Dynaco Chassis (MOS FET 120 C) and it was a tube like solid state amp, but with a real lower end, of course.

B & K did not survive the last recession.
 
Finding reviews are a tad hard on the ST120. The ST140 on the other hand is quite plentiful.
 
Just to put a conclusion on this, in case anyone was interested in the B&K ST-120.

I did end up getting it after selling my crown amp. I was quite pleasantly surprised by the contrasting difference between the two amps (as with all amps). DC offset were very good for the B&K.

In terms of SQ, the spatial imaging is very nice. I guess it is less dynamic and "forward" sounding than the crown. But, the overall spatial feeling or airiness is far more musical with the B&K.

I can't say I've noticed the mosfet "mist" on my setup but, sounds a little bit different than some of the Hitachi mosfets that I like.
 
You should really try an ST-140, if you can. I think you will like what you hear. I had one for years, eventually sold it. Nothing I've had since has been as good.
 
There was a ST-140 that popped up but, the price was higher than I liked for an older amp. And, I was needing a temporary amp while I build funds for another amp that will replace the B&K.

Granted, the B&K ST-120 is very good value. I compared it to another bigger Mosfet amplifier and they sound very similar. Honestly, it would be hard to tell them apart if I was blind folded and ask which one was which and which one sounded better. Used my little Bozak MB80, so not the best comparison.
 
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