2. amps-preamps
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B&K sonatas 200 monos

Hello my fellow audiogoners. I just purchased and received a good deal on a pair of B&K M200 sonatas. I was very shocked to hear the heft and considerable bass coming from these budget mono amps. I am using at the time a pair of 300ti soundynamics and the amps replaced an old amber series 70 amp that I still love and most likly will use in a second system or with a ht. I noticed it pumps out considerable bass without turning on my Rel Strata III sub. I was curious are any using them the B&Ks and have you made any changes as far as post, caps,and power cords that are captured on both units.Thanks to all and have a great day.
schipo
bdgregory
1,708 posts
 
I have 3 pairs of these. They are steal at prices they sell for used. In stock form, they're bullet proof. and sweet/smooth sounding. I've tried to upgrade/replace them with purchase of 5 other amp brands, but I ended up selling them and keeping the M200s.

I had one of my pairs mod'ed by John Hillig at Musical Concepts. The mods are expensive, but take the amps to another level. I'm driving Totem Mani-2s with the mod'ed pair and it's an excellent match.
schipo OP
1,268 posts
 
That sounds good, the upgrade path. I had an Adcom 555 many years ago upgraded by him excellent performer. I was wondering only about one thing that seems to bother me about the amps built.I hate the flimsy rocker switches on the amp, have you had a problem with them at all. I am still amazed with the sound quality for so little money.
bdgregory
1,708 posts
 
I've had only one problem with the rocker switches. They are easy to replace, and cheap to buy though. I sent one of my pairs into B&K once to have them tuned up (it cost me $100 for the pair, plus shipping). They replace the rocker switches as a matter of process. It may be possible to find a better one, but it's not something I've considered a priority.
unsound
7,311 posts
 
I got to agree with previous posts. These amps are a steal on the used market. They can drive most low impedance speakers that would ordinarliy require more expensive amplification in such a way that belies their price. While they aren't quite up to the standards of the more expensive thorough breds, they are remarkably close. A word of caution, these DC coupled B&K's are a bit different than the other cap coupled B&K amps.
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