B&K Reference 7250

[mhartman29]

Any opinions on this amp? It appears it is basically the same unit as the 200.5 but without the balanced outputs. I might pull the trigger on a deal locally here, but would love to hear anyone's experience with the amp before pulling the trigger.

I'd be using these to power my LSIs. So, first hand knowledge of how B&K mates with the LSIs would be great!

One really important question: How long can an amp be expected to last? I'd hate to spend over a grand on an amp that is 6 years old and have it die on my in a year or two.

Thanks!

[tcrossma]

I used a B&K Reference 200.5 with my LSi15's and it's a wonderful amp. Smooth and effortless and I think it mates very well with the 15's. I have just recently purchased a Belles Reference 150A 2-channel amp that beats the B&K on resolution and in a few other areas, but not by much.

I'm not a B&K expert, but I think the 7250 is missing the balanced outputs and I think it has level adjustments for each channel, where the 200.5 does not? Either way, I think they're supposed to be very comparable to each other.

As far as how long they last, I've been told that amps last a long time. B&K has excellent build quality, and they also repair their older units so if something does break you can ship it back to NY and get it fixed. Shipping is expensive, but it's better than being out an amp.

[Hawkeye]

I have had a 7250 in my HT for over 10 years now. It does not have balanced inputs, only RCA. No big deal to me considering I think most audio companies put XLR's only to be "boutique" anyway. If the piece is not fully balanced internally, I don't really think it helps a lot. The 7250 does have gain pots for each channel. I just leave mine full open and use the pre to set channel levels.

Mine has served me well over time and has never been back for repairs. Knock on wood! While I'm considering a new pre, the amp is staying. I used it on several lines of Polk speakers. i.e. RT2000, RT55 and several Paradigm speaks. Solid performer for the dollar.

Gordon

[reeltrouble1]

I have used the 7270 for years, zero issues, excellent amplifier, good customer support whenever I called with a question. B&K will give you a glimpse into the first level of hi-end audio. Generally considered to be a warm sounding amp, they have large power supplies and a current pk 2 pk rating 75 ampres which is very good.

RT1

[mhartman29]

Thanks for the input. Is there a difference between Reference 1 and Reference 2 series? I assume there is, but don't know what it is.

[tcrossma]

As far as I know the only difference between a 200.5 S1 and S2 is the faceplate.

[mhartman29]

Last change to dissuade me folks! $1,000 for the 7250, in good condition, delivered to me locally. Good deal?

[Hawkeye]

As RT1 said above, it is a nice glimpse into high end audio. I would certainly take a chance on it, IF all 5 channels work.

Gordon

[AndyGwis]

Sounds like a very fair price for that amp. I'd go for it. I've owned a bunch of B&K amps ranging from 20+ years old (st-202, st-140) to newer ones (125.2, 1430II, 507S2) and some in between.

I have had ZERO issues with any of the amps. No ground loop hum, no performance issues, etc. The power light occassionally burns out on the 20+ year old gear, but the gear still worked perfectly.

The only difference they seem to make from year to year is cosmetics. My 125.2 looks quite a bit like an ST-140 in terms of internal components. They use coke-can size caps, minimalist internal layout, solid build quality.

[MADGSF]

A little late but I have a 7250II that I bought over a year ago and love it. No problems other than it barely fits in the space I have for it :). Sounds like a good deal for one in good condition and fully functional.

[mhartman29]

Thanks for all the input! I'm arranging to pick the unit up on Saturday. Although, most of my gear is in storage right now (living in an apartment temporarily until a house is built) so I won't be able to really test the amp out on my setup. I'm hoping to hook up with SlowCar, since he offered to let me come by and do an "amp shootout" with my current LPA-1 and his Icepower amp.

[JosephH1]

I agree with the above, top notch quality, awesome customer service and support, In my experience, their amps are solid, quiet, and "warm" sounding amplifiers. I am a B&K lifer! Please let us know how you like it once you are settled in your new home. Congratulations!

[jolax73]

How is B&K 7250 compared to Parasound HCA-2205? Which one is a better mate to the Lsi speakers? I am deciding to get either one but not really sure if I should go with Parasound or B&K. Some people say Parasound is the next level to go after you own B&K and also Parasound is more musical and refined in the sonic output. Please share your thought and experience in making my decision here. thanks!

[reeltrouble1]

Hello jolax,

Both B&K and Parasound produce what I call mid-level to entry level into true hi-fi gear, both are solid companies, I have used and heard a good deal of each. Since we are talking Lsi speakers here and a 7250 I would go with the B&K, first off you need a great deal of current for your Lsi, the 7250 tops out at 75 ampres pk2pk, this is quite good, beyond that one of the real strengths of Parasound amplifiers is their known ability to reproduce bass, they are no slouch of an amp by any means, however, the Lsi especially the floor standers tend to have a bit of bloom in the bass so in this case I would give the tip to the B&K.

Each amplifier though is known to play well with Polk Speakers, the B&K may be a touch more neutral but all this is system dependant on the other gear, wire and so on.

Hope that helps a bit and enjoy your search.

RT1

[jolax73]

RT,

What about in terms of reliability issue? Between the two, are both pretty much the same when it comes to reliability? BTW, I am only gonna be using Lsi7 for the front, then LsiC & LsiFX for the surround. Price wise, both are almost the same. Since this is my first time into home theater hobby, I just wanted to make sure I made the best decision here or the best bang for my money.

[jinjuku]

It's a 'reference' amplifier. Of course it has to be good.

But seriously, B&K makes a great amp. Njoy.

[jinjuku]

Pretty good thread on the B&K at HTGuide.

[danz1906]

B&K amps are Solid amps and should last for many years without problems.

[reeltrouble1]

RT,

What about in terms of reliability issue? Between the two, are both pretty much the same when it comes to reliability? BTW, I am only gonna be using Lsi7 for the front, then LsiC & LsiFX for the surround. Price wise, both are almost the same. Since this is my first time into home theater hobby, I just wanted to make sure I made the best decision here or the best bang for my money.

Both companies are known for having good build quality and reliability, sure, things happen every now and then, but you just do not see alot of folks complaining about having issues with amplifiers from either one. You are picking between two nice amplifiers. The only issue I ever had with my present 7270 was a blown fuse when I cycled it on/off/on to quickly one time.

One tip to extend amp life is to use plenty of ventilation, Parasound makes a product called z-breeze, its a small fan box you sit on top the amplifier, I have one for my B&K, they are not cheap fans but I like the way the z-breeze functions as it will continue to cool the unit after it is turned off for a few miniutes and they look nice in an audio rack, comes with a 12 volt trigger and so on.

RT1

[TG Meat]

[+ 1 on the zBreeze, it works very well and is almost quiet.