B&K preamp/tuners.....

I bought a used B&K Ref. 20 preamp/processor/tuner here on Audiogon for $600($2500 new). It's a very good unit but agree with Tripper on the volume control not being user friendly. Still use it for surround (the processor is very good) but incorporated a tubed preamp for 2-channel use. B&Ks are good bargains used. They're very smooth, well built and musical but not especially detailed. Definite step up from mass market.

I had a PT3 Series 2 pre/tuner for a few months. The sound seemed warm and musical at the time. I liked the loudness button that boosted the high and low fequencies at low volumes. However, until I tried other components I didn't realize how much I was missing. Still the quality of what I heard was good for the $$$...

Eagleman

I currently still use a B&K PT3 as an alternative to a tube preamp. Mine has a solid gold color faceplate & it has the look of a well built preamp. There are no mechanical knobs on this unit to wear out & the sound is sweet, detailed, & open. It sounds excellent on my McCormack amp & a Belles 150A Reference amp & puts me in full control with its full function multi-task remote. I love it! B&K offers some very good products & they are designed & built in the USA.