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B&K ST-140 vs ex-442 sound charactor

I currently have an st-140 (105 watt version) driving my Zu Omen Defs. I love the Tube like warmth and mellow presentation. I'm going to have the caps replaced. However, I have a chance on a one owner ex-442. Basically the same chasis and footprint as the 140, just with 200 watts ch. I really do not need extra power since the Omen Defs are extremely efficient. However, I was possibly thinking of purchasing the ex-442 and have Caps replaced and then just place it in my system since the amp has been pretty much papered by the one owner. I purchased my 140 used and not sure how many hands it has been in and it's a little "nicked" up. Just curious if there are any sound character differences between the two models?
aberyclark
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
As, based on your original post, I am inclined to believe you WANT the EX442, go for it.


Yes. In the scheme of things, $550 is dirt cheap for an amp plus I already know the general sound characteristics. 
tomtab
97 posts
 
unsound,   how do you figure b&k is out of business.   i was just on their web site.  they seem to be there. 
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
B&K was purchased and never has started back up. The web site has been the same for the last few years. 
lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
687 posts
 
I see this is an old thread, so would like to know how you made out.

I owned both the 105 wpc ST140 (silver handles) and the EX442 Sonata but not at the same time and used to sell these amps at the retail level many years back.  I believe the difference between the EX442 and 442 Sonata is more current.  Both are 200 wpc but I believe the Sonata is 75 amps peak to peak and the EX442 is only 60 amps.  I believe the Sonata also has higher power going into 4 ohms too.

Sonically from recollection the ST140 might be a little sweeter and the Sonata much beefier sounding, but both are very tubey sounding.  For $300 for an EX442, you can't go wrong.  

Be careful when re-capping.  I've read that certain caps can make them more neutral sounding and lose the sweet sounding nature of these amps.
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