B&K ST 202+

Hello,
I am new here but I have a question regarding some equipment that came my way. A neighbor of mine recently gave me an old B&K ST 202+ and a Pro 5 preamp. The amp works great (in fact, My PSB B25's are a little light for it)and the Pro 5 has a burned out power light. The lettering on the front is blue and the RCA's on the amp are not marked. My neighbor said his friend worked at B&K and that he built these units for him. I have no idea of the exact wattage or the years these were made. This equipment seems to work great but a litle too much power for me. I am leaning toward a lighter Arcam/Rotel setup when I can. Is anyone out there familiar with older B&K units?

December 12, 2005 - 7:27am

Jim Tavegia

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Re: B&K ST 202+

Don't sweat the lamp unless it really bothers you. As far as the amp outpower...you can almost never have too much power. Headroom is one of the key components of having distortion free sound. If the amp is "loafing" that is a good thing. If you listen to classical music you would be surprised how much instantaneous peak power you might need.

It is about the sound and little else. If you like the sound you should keep it. Check www.bkcomp.com for old manuals in pdf format.

December 12, 2005 - 12:30pm

frisco64

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Re: B&K ST 202+

Hello Jim, and thank you for your input. I do like the sound of the B&K equipment, but I am now leaning toward a used Bryston System in the $1200-1500 range if I can. The soundstage these B&k's present with my PSB's is a very, very dramatic difference. I just want to get some new equipment (used of course). I am going to sell the B&K units. I have no idea what to ask. I will have to look around.

December 13, 2005 - 10:41am

Jim Tavegia

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Re: B&K ST 202+

The Bryston gear is very, very good and you should be pleased. Their 20 year warranty is nothing to take lightly. There are many places to resell what you don't want including www.Audiogon.com I have heard of some complaints about it off audioasylum, but I have always had good luck with what I bought from there and the sellers. Trust YOUR ears more than reviews. HE WHO PAYS DECIDES!
If you can find a Unison Research (Unico hybrid), Triangle, Jolida (JD 100 CD player and tube integrated amps) or Creek (anything), dealer near you take some of your FAV music along. You are now dipping your toes into highend land for sure. Enjoy.

ps Spin some vinyl. It is far from dead.

December 13, 2005 - 5:17pm

frisco64

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Re: B&K ST 202+

Jim,
You are not going to believe this, but I once owned several thousand albums. When I was in my early twenties (20 years ago)I threw caution to the wind and sold my entire collection to help "finance" a trip to the beaches of Southern California!!! I still cringe when I think about it. I had a Marantz amp, BSR turntable, and Utah speakers. Remember those? On another forum, several people are encouraging me to keep the B&K units and do some demos of other brands first. McCormack is one name that comes up (described as a more transparent B&K) and everyone is saying that Bryston runs a bit brighter. The twenty year warranty is unheard of!!! Eventhough my PSB speakers are holding their own with the 200 watt amp, I would be happier with PSB Stratus Minis. I heard a pair of them with a Newcastle amp but of course they were hardly beat in or seasoned. I love the soundstage of good monitors. As far as tube amps, yes, they are intriguing and that can be a project for next year.

December 13, 2005 - 7:06pm

Jim Tavegia

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Re: B&K ST 202+

I hope that was some trip to SC. If that was during the 60's I might have feared you damaged a few brain cells. There was a lot to that saying in my generation of "peace, love, dope". 2,000 albums is a lot of lost software. I have 2 pairs of highly regarded 2-way monitors, but I have kept my trusty AR58's (3-way 12") that are somewhat like my original AR3a's. A magical 2 cubic foot box, even to this day. I say I am going to get rid of them...then I listen to them again, and say why as they make a pretty nice computer playback rig. I refoamed the woofers and they still sound good. I still like the monitors accuracy and 3D.

The bright amp issue...on my ARs the Bryston would be a good match (synergy), on my monitors...maybe not. I would listen long and hard.

Since on other threads (rants)we have been discussing the issues of variable cd pressing quality, to throw all the blame on Bryston for brightness may not be fair. As a former broadcast engineer I am finding this cd manufacturing quality issue interesting and perplexing. I am continuing to go to school.

December 15, 2005 - 7:27am

frisco64

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Re: B&K ST 202+

Jim,
No I was not driven by some Timothy Leary/Jack Kerouac inspired flight!!! Ha. I was a young guy with a different idealism. I suppose there were some 60's elements...hit the road, route 66!!! Anyway, I am trying to sell the B&K units but maybe my price is too high. They are not in flawless condition cosmetic wise but they sound good. Now, I am intigued by the Jolida Hybrid Amps. I may audition one.

December 15, 2005 - 6:52pm

Jim Tavegia

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Re: B&K ST 202+

Good luck. Remember you only need one customer and it is the holiday season. It would sure make a great starter system for some teenager...if any younger fathers are listenting out there.

December 17, 2005 - 5:55am

frisco64

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Re: B&K ST 202+

Jim,
The problem is that I still like it but I have no room for two setups. The amp sounds very impressive but I have no idea what to sell it for. I am asking $300 on another website. I am also selling the Pro 5 pre. I just want new equipment, but you are right, it certainly would make a great system for someone.

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