Synergy: The B&K Report

[BrentoRudra]

With the new setup consisting of the Conrad-Johnson PV-10 preamp, the newly acquired B&K ST-140 toroidal amp (105 watts pc) and the Vandersteen 2ce full range speakers I've achieved a pretty good synergy.

At first I wasn't at all happy with it but took Allen's advice and left the B&K on for several hours. Still wasn't happy. The amp seemed to be reaching to fill the speakers, sweet and spacious as it was (I did like the sound from the start): I was preparing myself for resale and research ...

However, now, after a couple weeks of warmup and giving the various components a chance to get acquainted, I am beginning to achieve synergy. I think all these elements work together quite well, in fact. The B&K has a lot of natural warmth, a good sense of soundstage, and is now bringing the Vandersteens up to full voice. There is still a want of headroom but I'm not getting the feeling of strain that had been the problem before.

I am hearing a bit of harshness at times but I am listening mostly to digital. I have yet to try analog (I need to fit up a new cartridge to my AR XA turntable), and digital grunge is probably always going to be the case until some new algorithm is introduced. I find that with solid state digital usually does sound harsh; with  a tube power amp and very sensitive speakers you can lose that but I've still found you get a boxy kind of sound. This is with both Red Book AND SACD. Not so much with the latter but it is still there. I think there is just something in the nature of digital so far that makes for artifacts of one kind or another.

I have yet to take the lid off the B&K. Not that I would know what I was looking at except any obvious signs of age: corrosion, loose wires, popping caps, etc. I'd have to leave it to my DIY friends to point out any other obvious problems.

Generally, however, I am quite pleased with the sound of the new addition.

I can only say I might want a bit more or what  I like:  more warmth and space. I could go for the higher powered ST-202 or ST-202+, but I wouldn't do that until I was convinced that that would indeed produce the desired effect. The MORE is BETTER default can  be a snare and a delusion. My speakers are indeed rather power hungry, but will more B&K power make for more B&K sweetness and spaciousness or will it only make it all play louder?

[allenzachary]

Hard to say whether you'll get more of the quality or just more volume.  My B&W's are rated at 84db (I think) and I never ran them with any B&K other than the ST202+.  I tinkered in the store I ran and felt the 202+ was a better match.  If I recall, the ST140 just seemed a little bit out manned by power hungry speakers...we displayed B&W 801 Matrix and at one point the Carver Amazing(ly power hungry) Loudspeakers.  The 801's were not satisfied by the ST140 and the Carver's barely peeped.

You may want to consider picking up an ST202 or 202+ just to see how it works.  You can always flip it if it doesn't work for you.  There is a vibrant market for those amps.  Even if you lose say $50 on the deal, consider it a rental fee to achieve peace of mind.

[etcarroll]

What kind of tubes are in the CJ?

[AcidJazz]

To 'tame' that 'digital grunge', I would suggest some kind of power conditioning for the digital component, one that offers isolation from your analog components.

[BrentoRudra]

What kind of tubes are in the CJ?

Philips NOS 12AU7 in the line stage which is all I am currently using.