My B&K AV5000 II is only a few weeks old. It has an annoying hum that is destracting during quiet music passages. This happens with no interconnects or speakers connected. Connecting speaker cables brings the same faint hum through 3 of 5 channels, regardless of source. I can only hear the speaker hum when right next to the speakers, so I haven't done anything about it. Placing my B&K Ref 20 above the amplifier amplified the hum through the speakers to an intolerable level, so I had to relocate the Ref 20.
At first the AV5000 was very bright with my Paradigm Studio 100 spearkers. I replaced the Kimber PBJ interconnects between the preamp and amp with MIT Terminator 2 interconnects and the sound has turned glorious as the MIT cables break in. If it weren't for the amplifier hum, I would give this amplifier 5 stars.

I owned this AMP for about a year and yes it does sound good however,Bass is almost not there,it can sound a little bright with DTS tracks and the dynamics are a little thin.On the otherhand,this is a good entry level AMP.However, if you truly want to have it all,get yourself an ATI1505 and I guarantee you won't be dissapointed in any way shape or form.

PS FRANK needs a hearing test.SOON!





















































on the otherhand

I've owned this amp for about 2 years and just sold it because I upgraded to Bryston amps - 7BST monos for the front and an 8BST for the rest of the system. I remember the first day I brought the AV5000 home and plugged it in - I felt like I heard real bass for the first ime in my life (I replaced a 1970's vintage Kenwood solid state). I've been very happy with the amp - it has big capacitors to store energy for loud passages (it will actually play music at a normal listening level for over a minute after you turn it off - just draining the capacitors) and the capability to deliver a lot of current - hence the solid bass. Since the Bryston 7Bs are raved about as great bass amps. I ran an A/B comparison as I was setting up the Brystons. Granted, they had not been broken in at all so the bass sounded a little thin. However, the comparison confirmed what I really enjoyed about this amp - great bass, very musical, and a lot of headroom. This amp is an overachiever - it sounds more powerful than its rating and sounds very effortless at all but the loudest volumes. It is very rugged and just a good solid offering at this price. Are there amps out there that sound better? Of course, but they cost a lot more. I never had any problems with hum or hiss. I just plugged it in played it hard and it worked great. I'm sorry to see it go.
In comparison to the Bryston, the Bryston has better soundtaging and transparency and a more spacious feel. They have less grain in the midrange, especially vocals, and much more control in the bass - tighter and better defined and a little more extended. However, the Brystons cost 10 times as much ($12,500 retail for 5 monoblocks, vs $1250 for the AV5000) and take up 5 times as much space. And I can tell you that the Bryston don't sound 10 times as good.

If you are looking for a 5 channel amp and your budget is $1,000 to $1,250, you can stop looking and just buy this amp. You will absolutely get your money's worth. You will have an amp that sounds great and will give you a lot of enjoyment. In this category, I have to give it five stars.

I submitted an earlier review this amplifier. Mine had a annoying hum out of the box. I sent the amp to B&K for repair. They repaired it the day it arrived and shipped it out promptly. I am now happy as the amplifier works as it should. Other reviews have commented about the lack of bass with this amplifier. I thought this at first, but I changed interconnects and have no complaints about this.

This is one of the best sounding multi-channel amp! The first time I played it using the Lexicon processor, I was amazed by the clarity. The bass was nice and clean. It really rocks the house. It is a strong amp, even at high levels, it doesn't distort. I truly recommend this amp for those in the market for a powerful home theater set-up. Home Theater magazine has been using the AV5000 as a reference amp for months. Shouldn't you?

clear, detailed sound, tight bass, tasteful design

occasional hum in unused channels

this is pretty much a no-brainer. a clean-sounding, affordable amp that delivers the goods. I've mated it w/a Ref 20 for about 6 mths now. it hums once in a while, but not to a level thats distracting, and it sounds great on music and movies. very detailed and open soundstage. punchy bass. loads of volume. yum.

components: Paradigm Esprit bp's

" CC 350

Boston Acoustics CR 7's (rear)

" " VR 500 (sub)

Transparent & Monster cables & interconnects

Sony XBR2 36"

Toshiba sd2108

Similar Products Used:

Rotel 985, various demos at local high-end shop

Full bodied, smooth, clean impression, top to bottom, with detailed highs.

None for me.

No problems whatsoever. No hum at all. Great detail. I am considering trading up to the new Reference 7250 based on my history with this amp. I want even more clean power for a much bigger room. (I am running M&K S125's for the front speaker array, M&K S85's for surrounds and an M&K 125MKII sub through a Lexicon processor.) B&K tech support is immediate and knowledgeable. I have a feeling of complete satisfaction with the sound, build quality and company support this product represents.

I believe in taking the time to match components that will work well together to achieve the sound you like. I also believe strongly in a point of rapidly diminishing returns when investing in audio gear. For me, this is that point. Incredible sound for my $$$.

Best wishes in finding yours.

Similar Products Used:

Many, many hours comparing amps and speakers. Genesis Audio was extremely helpful (and patient).

I've had the B&K AV5000II since the beginning of the year. I am very, pleased with it. It has a very, nice sound to it. Sounds great on two channel music, but really shine with Dolby Digital. I di have a humming problem with my initial amp. I returned it and all is well. The amp does get quite hot. I also bought the B&K Ref 10.
Bob

I actually have the AV6000II, but it is the same as the AV5000II - just one more channel. I have had this for a little over a year now and have been very happy with it. Much more detailed and warm than just about anything out there in this price range. I am running it with the B&K 4090 processor and M&K S1's and SS500's. Big improvement over the NAD amps it replaced. My only quibble is with the power supply hum. Though it is mechanical and not electrical, it is a little annoying during quiet movie passages. If I didn't sit so close to the amp it wouldn't even be a problem. None of my Bryston amps makes a noise so I know it can be done. For the money though this is an excellent product. Highly recommended!

I own the B&K 5000 II. This is a great amp. No distortion and no hums. It does run hot but it's suppose to. Don't buy it if your enclosure is small with no ventilation. I can't imagine a better amp for the money. I was going to get an ATI 1505 but didn't hear a difference side by side with the 5000 II. I'm a very satisfied customer and would buy another one in a second. I have it mated with a Sherwoo Preamp and the sound is incredible. If I turn it up the walls shake with no distrortion. My COrnwall II speakers are also a nice match.
FJP