Sad to say I need a new amp…

@hartf36

FWIW, I’m still running my B&K EX-442 Sonata into Maggies and consider it anything BUT a "beater", and it’s older than the ST3030. 350 wpc/4 ohm and high current (75 amp p-p), it’s a beautiful-sounding amp and I feel zero need to replace or "upgrade" it.

🙂 Yes, I used ‘beater’ as a term as a stop-gap before deciding on something else, not meant to be demeaning. The ST3030 is extremely good for the money, as I said, had an ST125.2 prior, and looking back, should have kept it as a back-up. I’m a big B&K fan regardless of the controversy surrounding their original 140. With the mosfet design, very musical and ‘tube-like’.

That said, listening much yesterday, yea, my old Belles did some things better, which I miss, and the B&K does some things better, probably due to newer circuitry and caps, etc. (more authority and control especially with the bass and mid-bass). So, I can live with the ST3030 quite easily, but know I will be seeking some of the magic the old Belles 400A is capable of. Whether another used or new Belles, or something else. And ‘anything else’ may be moving towards a tube amp. Possibly.

Definitely staying with tubes in my bigger system. Talking to Mesa tomorrow so I’ll get some clarity about servicing it soon.  Long Long waiting lines for lots of new gear…there’s a minty B&k st1200 60w amp on audiogon now, for 200.00. The Mesa was 28w but really sounded more powerful.. I’m guessing my little totem mites would be fine with 60w in my office. Seems to be well reviewed…

pray it was the mains transformer and not the outputs - far easier to replace..

lovely amp

Even the older B&K amps are closer to throw-away at this juncture. Enjoy as long as you can. Best NOT to leave them on, bakes the bits inside. I was sad to see my dual mono EX-4420 and later 3030 go for parts after the boards and MOSFET OPTs were no longer available, or in short supply. Repaired mine multiple times extending life longer. Pick up spare amps for parts if you must, some of the earlier amps and boards are simpler and easier to repair than the later side-mount/longboard units. A guy bought both my amps and hacked them back together with spare parts he had. Its possible if you are handy with spare parts.  

ATI bought B&K Components name, kept no parts around, and shelved the name for a while. At one point they were supposed to bring back a piece or two. No dice yet. Use sparingly and turn them off after you are done, they might last a while longer.

UPDATE :  spoke with Mesa and they advised I send it in.  The rep sounded like they are confident they can fix/restore the amp, it’s going to take a few months bit jazzed they were so positive. Btw, the rep noted that many of their guitar amps are more complicated than their Tigris stereo amp. He also advised new coupling caps and electrolytic as needed… I’m here for it… amp weighs 50+ pounds so USPS OR UPS I guess… thanks all..