Well made, very nice sounding amp. $300 isn't a steal, but I doubt you'll find better for that price. That amp caused quite a stir when it came onto the scene. I picked one up for my son recently, and was thrilled to find it.
B&K ST-140 amplifier buying decision
I have heard good things about this old amplifier. I like lush sound and read this amp fits the bill. Is it that good? Is it worth to pay $300 for it?
I have read there are two versions of this amp. I believe the one I put links below is the first/“better” version. Can someone confirm?
I don’t see any serial or tag on the back but it is old, so it is fine. I doubt it is something else inside :)
It is in working condition but probably would need to be recapped soon. So, that’s another cost. I do want to try this type old amps but then I am not that handy when it comes to fixing this type of stuff. Can do some fixing but not enough.
https://ibb.co/GCSSsjf
https://ibb.co/pQ9ztym
https://ibb.co/Cw4dp8g
https://ibb.co/NtpKJ1B
I have read there are two versions of this amp. I believe the one I put links below is the first/“better” version. Can someone confirm?
I don’t see any serial or tag on the back but it is old, so it is fine. I doubt it is something else inside :)
It is in working condition but probably would need to be recapped soon. So, that’s another cost. I do want to try this type old amps but then I am not that handy when it comes to fixing this type of stuff. Can do some fixing but not enough.
https://ibb.co/GCSSsjf
https://ibb.co/pQ9ztym
https://ibb.co/Cw4dp8g
https://ibb.co/NtpKJ1B
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- 16 posts total
i believe the earlier version of the st140 had a blue/red B&K logo and the later one had a gold logo. i used to own the later (gold) version and it was a nice amp--warm and full-sounding-though slightly grainy and not the most transparent. overall i preferred comparably-priced parasound hca, and as per the above i'd think $300 is a tad rich. |
Thank you guys! I Iearned more about it after your posts. I think I will get it but need to work on the price. I have read more on the Stereophile link and noticed Sam Tellig talking about Eagle 2 which I have never heard. I looked into it and come to find out there is a strange story about the designer, John Gordon Iverson, of that amp! Read it here: https://charleyproject.org/case/john-gordon-iverson |
I had an original ST-140 in the 1980's, and now own an Eagle 2A. The two amps have different sonic signatures, the B & K the slightly diffused/soft "mosfet-mist" character, the Eagle more focused and transparent, with particularly good bass reproduction. Iverson disappeared off the face of the Earth one day, never to be seen again. Legend had it he was working on something that drew the attention of the FBI and CIA! |
I owned the first version and it was a nice little amp; very much enjoyed it. At the time had hybrid Apogee Centaur speakers with a ModWright SWL 9.0 SE with all Clear Days cables… Kimber power cords except on the amp. Was a very nice modest system. Mine was pristine and gave it to a cousin. I bought it used I recall for $120 but that was probably 7+ years ago. I moved to an ARC 100.2 which was a far superior amp but it should be for an amp used is around $1700. I’d shoot for $200 and see if you can cap it at $250. Very clean simple amp and I’d be surprised if the caps need replaced… I bet they’re fine even for it’s age. |
- 16 posts total