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

So it seems would cost you $550 to own a refurbished EX442, vs. $250 for a refurbished St-140. You like the B&K sound with your speakers. You seem to have the $300 in your audio budget. The EX442 may, and possibly be likely, to prove better in your system. As aberyclark mentions the extra power will not hurt and might prove beneficial should you purchase different speakers. It seems that the only debate you have is the possibility that the $300 might be better spent on upgrades else where in your system. That debate could well be left for later. The ST-140 could be sold to recover some of the cost.

As, based on your original post, I am inclined to believe you WANT the EX442, go for it.

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. 

unsound,   how do you figure b&k is out of business.   i was just on their web site.  they seem to be there. 

B&K was purchased and never has started back up. The web site has been the same for the last few years. 

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.