B&K Components Ref 20 A/V Preamplifier
B&K Components Ref 20 A/V Preamplifier
[Jul 10, 1999]
david morse
an Audio Enthusiast
I have owned a Ref 20 for a little over 3 monthes now, and I am quite happy with it. I've read all the reviews posted here, and I guess its pretty obvious B&K |
[Jul 22, 1999]
Harry
an Audio Enthusiast
I purchased my Ref 20 about 8 months ago and will say that I couldn't be more pleased. The piece has completed my system. I researched other comparable products and found that the Ref 20 was the best bang for the buck. This does everything and a little more than I ask in a pre amp. The Ref 20 is not flashy or complicated. I would consider the Ref 20 a simple and efficient pre amp. My only complaint would be that I do hear a popping sound when switching from digital to analog or vice versa. The rest of my system consists of:ATI 1505 Amp |
[Jul 28, 1999]
John Little
an Audiophile
I have been reading several good and bad reviews concerning this A/V Controler. Because...this device is very complicated, one should take the time to completely read the operating instructions, to both the remote and the controler. The REF20 is very diverse in functionality...it,s several devices rolled into one product.As to the quality of sound, well the D/A Conversion is above average. The dual motorola 24 bit digital signal proccessors are state of the art. Video switching could use some improving I.E.--"Lots of different types of imputs and outputs, but no conversion from s-video to composite, why?. Some devices do not come with s-video connections (older vcr's). People are buying this device to work seamlessly with their exsisting audio video equipment, it does not video switch well with older equipment...because it cannot switch from s-video to composite or vice versa. The Ref20 is a two zone controller, one digital the other sterio analog...thats a big plus!!! |
[Jul 18, 1999]
Bill Gaines
an Audio Enthusiast
B&K still has some quality control problems. My Ref 20 can't be located above my B&K AV5000II, which I bought at the same time, or a very loud hum is in the system on several channels, regardless of source. All of the surround modes are very nice and make movie watching quite pleasant. I even like some of the music surround modes as well. I didn't care for the stereo mode because the soundstage seems very constricted. Switching to direct mode for music, sounds great and I am quite happy. I was expecting better DACs in this piece. |
[Aug 29, 1999]
Fred
an Audio Enthusiast
I've had the Ref 20 and the B&K 5000II 5 channel amp for about three months. Sound quality, build quality, and ergonomically, it's a great package. The sound quality is nice and neutral. My speakers are known to be revealing (near bright) but it hasn't sounded to bright on the majority of software, The remote is wonderful, and the manuals are understandable. It supports DTS if that ever catches fire, and B&K claim it's upgradeable. The only concerns I have had are: B&K has not addressed on there website to what extent it is upgradeable. How will it support DVD-Audio for instance, or will they add cinema EQ in the near future. The web site give no info. My speakers are NHT VT-2, and VS-2 for C,L,R. SUbwoofer has not been purchased yet. |
[Nov 19, 1999]
Mark
Audiophile
Strength:
Upgradeable! Superior construction. Wonderful sound.
Weakness:
No component video. I just had my Ref 20 upgraded to the latest firmware... for FREE! Yep, the 1.03 code is available at your retailer free of charge. Included are some usability upgrades and problem fixes for Sony DSS receivers, etc. B&K's RS-232 update is due out in December, and 1st quarter of next year an update will be out for 96/24 audio, Cinema Re-EQ, bass management through selectable crossovers, and tone adjustments. Talk about commitment to a product! B&K has really shown that they plan to support and grow this product-line for many years. Similar Products Used: Acurus ACT-3, Theta CasaNova, Proceed AVP, Sunfire Theater Grand |
[Nov 23, 1999]
Steve M.
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Sound quality, ease of use and value.
Weakness:
None. I bought the Ref 20 in July after carefully comparing it to the Acurus ACT3 and Sony 9000ES. I also had looked at more expensive units but only did a cursory comparison. The B&K just sounded better (sorry, I sound like a B&K advertisement). One of my criteria was ease of use for my non-techno family, and the B&K's 20 pre-sets filled the bill nicely. The 12-volt trigger signal turns on my amps via a Parasound SCAMP, further simplifying the user interface. It has an AM-FM tuner for casual listening, and plenty of programmable A/V inputs. The remote is user-friendly, it doesn't eat batteries, it has real buttons (no silly touch screens here) and macro capabilities. |
[Nov 24, 1999]
Victor
Casual Listener
Strength:
Plentiful inputs: composite,svideo,line,coax,toslink all around.
Weakness:
Plugging/unplugging cables while preamp is on (even in standby mode) causes it to lock up even when the device being attached is not on. Assuming (cost*features*quality) criteria Similar Products Used: denon 3200 sounds similar for great deal less money, |
[Jul 06, 2001]
George
Audiophile
Strength:
Very open sound, No unneeded bells and whistles to clutter the sound, Programmable, Upgradeable, Solid digital converters, Easy to use, Adequate inputs.
Weakness:
Could have a better remote, I don’t care for the volume control. It took some time for this unit to burn in but it was well worth it. There was nothing that could stand up to this unit under $4000. I look at many different preamps and this was the best sounding (or rather the one that has less of it’s own sound) in my price range. It lacks 5.1 inputs but music is best presented in 2 channel to preserve a true sound stage. It’s 5.1 performance is fantastic and performs well with the toughest of movie sound tracks. Setup was a bit confusing the first time but after that it was a breeze. This is a solid well built unit and even though it is not THX certified it performs as well as any I have herd. It is no longer on the market the Reference 30 has about the same sound with a few more features, none that I need but it’s worth looking at. Similar Products Used: Yamaha, Sony, Rotel, Parasound |
[Feb 10, 2000]
eb2cool
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
see below
Weakness:
see below Tomorrow I will have to make one of the toughest decisions of my audio life—I must decide between the Sony TA-E9000ES and the B&K Reference 20. One of these pieces must be returned to the dealer. I am fortunate in that I have had the opportunity to have both of these excellent preamps in my home for the past week and have listened to various music and movie tracks. Below I have listed, in order of personal importance, what I believe to be the clear advantages of the units as compared to each other: Similar Products Used: see below |