B&K Reference 30/31/50?

[AndyGwis]

Anyone have much experience with either of these three models?

I just bought the $hit out of a B&K reference 31. It's basically a Reference 30 with about $500 of factory upgrades to bring it up to specs with the ref 50 s1.

Got a good deal on sleezebay. Told myself I wouldn't upgrade my HT, but this is a lateral move money-wise (if I can sell my HK 635 for a decent price). Now wishing I would've won that ST-2140 from Agon to have 5 channels of matching B&K power.

I missed out on a bunch of good deals last week (speakers mostly) so glad to finally get something new. It's been a few days!

[dorokusai]

I have the same idea, just in the AVR317, which was previously a AVR307. It's internally identical to the AVR507 S1, after the upgrade but "aesthetically" minus a knob and one(1) set of component video inputs.

[dkg999]

AVR507 s2 here! It's not going anywhere for a long time.

[dorokusai]

I'm hoping that B&K markets the gear they had at CES so I can upgrade into HDMI. Otherwise, I'm off to another manufacturer.

[dkg999]

They are starting to run a little behind! Not sure why they aren't moving a little more toward the center of the market? For me, HDMI is just a convenient way to connect my DVD or BR player to my TV, nothing more needed. Give me a good 5.1 analog out from a BR player, and I'm happy.

Where does the HDMI cable plug into my 2 ch system?

[dorokusai]

WAY behind but it exists. HDMI has nothing to do with my 2CH rig but it's the predominate connection for HT right now and I love a single cable solution. The HT gets completely redone this year and it's a deciding factor for me.

[dkg999]

I was being sarcastic on the 2 ch comment!

Hopefully by the time I decide to redo the HT rig, the new audio codecs are more fully mature as far as integration into HT gear. I'm pretty happy with my HT system right now. In fact far more impressed with it than I thought I could be with an HT system.

[dorokusai]

I know but neither of us utilize the emoticons to any satisfactory extent....

I don't think it's beyond "future proofing" your system now as it's been wrangled out for the most part. It's a manufacturer support issue if anything but we pay the price. Naturally, there will be something else down the road but my bet is on wireless and alot of that already exists.

[AndyGwis]

B&K is supposedly coming out with their HDMI gear. . . just don't know when. Think it will be Ref 70 for the pre/pro.

I'm probably going to ride this pre-pro for a year or two and then jump on an HDMI pre-pro once their cheaper and less buggy.

[mantis]

yes the ref70 is suppost to be out this month.I personally are waiting for this as if it's what I need I will be buying it.

I have alot of experience with B&K. I have Intalled there products for years and I'm factory trained. I spend 3 days at B&K in Bufalo , NY. I love there stuff. I used to own the avr307 and went to Rotel. I plan on going back to B&K.

[sucks2beme]

What, you need that 2 channel amp back?:D

[MKZ]

Are those reference 30 still worth to use it? Does it really need an upgrade? I'm just looking to get one.

[Gaara]

I'm perfectly content with my Ref 50, I got it during my Freshman year...so about 4 years ago. Sounds great with 2ch music and does amazing with movies. My only issue is the random noises that B&K can't fix. (not the normal pops that were fixed with the 2.0 update)

[MKZ]

Can you tell me the difference of 30 and 50?

[dkg999]

Can you tell me the difference of 30 and 50?

A math major will tell you it's 20

A statistics major will tell you it's in a range of 15 to 23

A lawyer will tell you it can be whatever you want if you pay him/her enough

[Gaara]

Can you tell me the difference of 30 and 50?

Can't remember, I thought the 50 could decode more, had the notch filter, and had a nicer remote...but I could be making all that up. Sound quality wise I think there was very little if any difference, at least according to my dealer.

[MKZ]

Do you have any idea about the average price for ref 30? Thanks.

[Gaara]

Check Agon, last I saw 30s went for around $500 and the 50s for around $800.

[AndyGwis]

Yeah, $400 - $500 seems to be the going price for Ref 30s. Ref 50s from $700 - $800 shipped on Agon these days.

I got my Ref 31 for a good price, and it is supposed to have all of the functionality of the Ref 50 except missing the balanced connections (which I don't need anyway).

Mine just got in today. However, probably won't be hooking it up for a while. It does have 5.1 analog inputs so I can hook up a HD-DVD / BluRay player with multichannel analogs to get the latest audio formats.

[AndyGwis]

BTW, Keith, not currently interested in the ST-202. Great amp, but I need a fancier looking piece for my updated HT :) Looking for a ST-2140, ST-1400 to match my current ST-1430.

[MKZ]

Thank you. One more questions. Is Ref 30 good enough to do the job for movies or Ref 50 worth the price difference?

[AndyGwis]

I would guess the Ref 30 would be adequate for most any situation. Even though it may not have the latest audio formats, you can use the multichannel audio ins from you source.

I think the Ref 50 probably has better video processing (not a big deal if you run video straight to display/TV, balanced inputs, and some additional audio processing options.

[dorokusai]

As a reference, the AVR317(Upgraded AVR307) is identical to the AVR507 S1 aside from two(2) issues. No source selector knob(Left Side) and one set of component inputs....that's it. The guts are identical, including the upgraded DACS.

The REF30 is in the same boat and it's upgradeable.

[Hawkeye]

I've had a Ref 30 in my HT for about 6-8 years, maybe longer. It has been a solid performer with no complaints from me. It does not have the the latest DSP's or HDMI connections.

It crapped out this weekend and is on it's way to B&K for repair. They asked if I wanted to upgrade it and I said no. Just get it running to original specs. They were kinda suprised, but HT is not that big a deal to me.

[andrew_mac]

I just bought a Reference 200.7 Amp. Now I need one of these three as well. The 200.7 has left me flat broke though. Ugh...what did I just do?....I don't even have seven speakers lol
This hobby is a ridiculous racket to get into. Fun though :)

[MADGSF]

Don't worry Andrew, you can always use the spare channels to bi-amp the mains and see if there is a difference. Otherwise the un-used channels will just leave more reserve for the others. That is a great amp and you will love it. I had the demo A5's in my system for a while and they sounded wonderful.

[MKZ]

Can you guys tell me what are the setting of Ref 30 like VARIABLE EQUALIZATION, SETUP ROOM EQUALIZATION, etc..? Thank you.

[Gaara]

I don't currently use the Room EQ, and I make sure the variable eq is set to 0, or whatever the setting is so it is off. I personally don't like tone controls of any kind but do see the benefit of eq, i just haven't gotten around to redoing it since I got my SVS.

[MKZ]

Is there any DSP simulation mode like in Denon?

[AndyGwis]

Just saw this on Agon. . . http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc....ran&1211421232

Does that mean B&K Ref 70s with HDMI are hitting the street?

Anyone want a Ref 31 :)