2. amps-preamps
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B&K ST-140 amplifier buying decision

I have heard good things about this old amplifier. I like lush sound and read this amp fits the bill. Is it that good? Is it worth to pay $300 for it?

I have read there are two versions of this amp. I believe the one I put links below is the first/“better” version. Can someone confirm?

I don’t see any serial or tag on the back but it is old, so it is fine. I doubt it is something else inside :)

It is in working condition but probably would need to be recapped soon. So, that’s another cost. I do want to try this type old amps but then I am not that handy when it comes to fixing this type of stuff. Can do some fixing but not enough. 

https://ibb.co/GCSSsjf
https://ibb.co/pQ9ztym
https://ibb.co/Cw4dp8g
https://ibb.co/NtpKJ1B
celo
unsound
7,311 posts
 
$300 seems a tad high, but it’s not like there’s that much room to come down from that price.
While a pretty nice sounding amp considering the price point, they are not at all suited for use with speakers with with low minimum impedances.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
celo

I remember back then Stereophile loved this amp, so much just about everyone reviewed it

Reviewed by Sam Tellig in 1985 again Gordon Holt in 1989 and again by John Atkinson in 1990 by Stereophile

https://www.stereophile.com/content/bk-st-140-power-amplifier-sam-tellig-1985

https://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/675/index.html

https://www.stereophile.com/content/bk-st-140-power-amplifier-john-atkinson-1990

Cheers George
bdgregory
1,708 posts
 
I’ve owned several of these - all of them the 105 watt versions. If that’s the 70 version in pristine condition it may be worth a little more, but if not it should sell for $150-$200 if it’s in excellent condition.
knotscott's avatar
knotscott
799 posts
 
Well made, very  nice sounding amp.  $300 isn't a steal, but I doubt you'll find better for that price.  That amp caused quite a stir when it came onto the scene.  I picked one up for my son recently, and was thrilled to find it.
loomisjohnson
1,903 posts
 
i believe the earlier version of the st140 had a blue/red B&K logo and the later one had a gold logo. i used to own the later (gold) version and it was a nice amp--warm and full-sounding-though slightly grainy and not the most transparent. overall i preferred comparably-priced parasound hca, and as per the above i'd think $300 is a tad rich.
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