[MannyE]

I currently have a REf 30 and I have the upgrade bug. I was considering sending the 30 in for the 500 dollar upgrade, but then noticed the REf 50 units were going for about 500 or so on ebay...


Besides the XLR connections, is there any other compelling reason to go with a used REf 50 vs. sending my 30 back "home" to be massaged?


I figure with shipping, etc both options will be very close in total cost.

 

[jdlynch]

I had a B&K pre-amp then upgraded to a Lexicon DC-1. Phenomenal improvement in sound. You can find a used DC-2 (MC-1 or 4?)for at least that price. If you are into HT...you will be pleased. i will admit, however, Lexicon is a bit harsh sounding if you are into music.

 

[mastermaybe]

1. "I had a B&K pre-amp then upgraded to a Lexicon DC-1. phenomenal improvement in sound."


2. "I will admit, however, Leixcon is a bit harsh if you are into music."


you can't make this shtuff up, lol.


James

 

[jdlynch]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mastermaybe /forum/post/18107619


1. "I had a B&K pre-amp then upgraded to a Lexicon DC-1. phenomenal improvement in sound."


2. "I will admit, however, Leixcon is a bit harsh if you are into music."


you can't make this shtuff up, lol.


James

So James, do I not measure up to your obvious superior intellect?


In case you did not notice the implication in my post; The Lexicon is superior for HT but not in music. The OP did not mention his primary use of his pre-amp. That is why I posted the positive AND negative. Every component of every manufacturer has their trade-offs.


The OP was asking for opinions and I gave mine.

 

[MannyE]

BOYS BOYS!!! Less trolling and more opining please!

I apologize for not making the use clear.. I do need it to be competent in both music and movies and I find the sound of B&K to be among the best in business for movies and decent enough for music when I need it.


I have a stand-alone analog rig that I use for "serious" listening (which means by myself with a bottle of wine) but the HT also doubles as the "party room".


jdlynch: Thanks for your reply! I have not had the opportunity to listen to the Lexicon very often and never for any length of time, but I can tell you that most of the "movie-centric" preamps I auditioned way back (was it 99 or 2000?) when I was in the market for a new preamp just didn't do a good job on 2-channel music. The only one that to my ears seemed to really like my Outlaw amp and Def Tech BP2002s was the B&K product.


If I was starting from scratch with a new unit, I might be more willing to try out some different makes, but since I can't just go down to my local store and get samples to audition at home in the used market, I prefer to stick with B&K.


matermaybe: How about less snarkiness and a real answer?

 

[Antibayi]

I understand you wanting to stay with B&K; the sound is great. Your choice is easy. Buy the Ref50 and sell the Ref30. You'll end up spending $100 or $200 when all is said and done. Sonically, the Ref31 is identical to the Ref50. The Ref50 adds balanced outputs and an extra component input compared to the Ref31. You can probably sell the Ref30 for $300; maybe more.


Regards,

Brian