I am debating the purchase of a B&K Ref 30 for about 1700USD (new, full warranty). From what I can tell, the downside is:
o no balanced outputs.
o no DPL II.
o new version imminent (ha!).
The only alternatives I like are the *classic* Lexicon DC-1 (about 1100 USD for v4.0) however, it appears to not be as good in 2 channel mode. The other alternative is the Anthem AVM2 (1400USD). However, the Anthem is clearly at the end of its life, there is no upgrade path (B&K seems to be promising something, if at a price), and I hear conflicting reports on 2 channel music (it does have balanced outputs, more fetish than anything in my case, and would mate well with my MCA 5 amp).
Would it be a mistake to buy the B&K at this point? Am I buying a processor on its last legs, or should I just admit I will always be behind the curve (unless I want to pony up for an TAG/RDC-7/MC-12B etc) and just enjoy.
Thanks... as always.
P.S. This will be in an MG IIIa Maggie based home theater, REL Storm III Sub, Anthem MCA 5 amp (possibly moving to biamp the maggies with tubes up top... two channel music is pretty important).
o no balanced outputs.
o no DPL II.
o new version imminent (ha!).
The only alternatives I like are the *classic* Lexicon DC-1 (about 1100 USD for v4.0) however, it appears to not be as good in 2 channel mode. The other alternative is the Anthem AVM2 (1400USD). However, the Anthem is clearly at the end of its life, there is no upgrade path (B&K seems to be promising something, if at a price), and I hear conflicting reports on 2 channel music (it does have balanced outputs, more fetish than anything in my case, and would mate well with my MCA 5 amp).
Would it be a mistake to buy the B&K at this point? Am I buying a processor on its last legs, or should I just admit I will always be behind the curve (unless I want to pony up for an TAG/RDC-7/MC-12B etc) and just enjoy.
Thanks... as always.
P.S. This will be in an MG IIIa Maggie based home theater, REL Storm III Sub, Anthem MCA 5 amp (possibly moving to biamp the maggies with tubes up top... two channel music is pretty important).