JohMabe

B&K 200.2 vs Parasound HCA-2200 MKII

I have narrowed my used amplifier options to these two. They seem pretty similar, but the B&K is a newer batch. What would be your pick, considering similar price ranges?

Jaime B

Two different sounds. One has the "smooth-er" MOSFET signature sound (B&K) the other a bolder Bi-Polar punch.

Unless you can audition them for yourself, only you know your system, room acoustics and personal sonic preferences. Anything anyone posts here, including myself is just our biases.

Go for the Krell 300Cx, make sure your pre has balanced outputs!

Cheers.

Ernest Yee

I believe you need to tell us what your current set up is (speakers in particular) that you plan on pairing this amp with.

JohMabe

I'll use them with a pair of Dynaudio Audience LR120+. Future upgrade might be either a Dynaudio 82 or an Energy Connoisseur C-9. BTW, any imput on the Energy speakers?

JohMabe

I might consider the Bryston 4B also. Is that too old of an amp? Or it can still deliver?

Jaime B

Sure, the BRYSTON is a quality piece. Make sure you listen to the ST version. In the price range you are looking there are dozens of amps to listen to.

What are you implying by too old? Old stuff will deliver the goods, just ask my wife!

here's a review of the Energy C-9:

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/energy_c9.htm

Ricky T

IMO, the B&K 200.2 is more comparable to the Parasound 1500A 205x2. The 2200II is in a higher class than the 1500A.

The 4B-ST at ~ $1200 used is more expensive. The Parasound hca3500 (2200II predecessor) is comparable to the 4B-ST and Aragon 8008BB. The 2200II sounds close to the 3500; I've had both in my sytem for a month, sold the 3500 for $1200, and kept the 2200II (would rather pocket the 500 bucks).

A mint 2200II just popped up on audiogon for the low price of $600.