B&K Reference 20 woes (loss of sound)

[Seth=L]

I was taken aback today by the B&K Reference 20 pre/pro when I was watching a movie. I have had no problems of any kind until today and the problem has become evidentally persistent through trouble shooting of the pre/pro.

The source: Playstation 3, connection is analog.

The source material: "Stargate: Ark of Truth" on DVD

The amplifier: Niles SI-275

The problem: My speakers ceased to output sound during normal dialogue at reasonable levels of output not exceeding any electrical limits of a properly functioning sound system of this magnitude. At the time of loss of output there was a "pop" that I judged to be approximately 70-80dB. I've heard much louder pops from simply switching inputs on other gear of lesser quality (I have a Mitsubishi stereo preamp that pops louder when switching inputs than the B&K does when I lose sound).

I have determined, with no doubt, that the problem lies with the B&K Reference 20. The Reference 20 has a headphone output. When I shut off the amplifier connected to the B&K via unbalanced stereo connection as well as a 12v trigger connection the preamp seemed to function normally for a duration of time. When the amplifier was engaged the preamp shut off after a short period of time. It is note worthy that I was using the amplifier and preamp for an excess of 3 hours before experiencing any difficulties what-so-ever. After the problem arose it took mere moments to replicate the same results when the amplifier was turned on with the preamp.

I also tried using the headphones and amplifier simultaneously, I lost output on both at the same time (the pop was audible on both the headphones and speakers). I replicated these results 3 times by turning the preamp off and rebooting it. Each time I did the results where similar.

The amplifier was running relatively cool considering it's position in the rack, directly under the B&K Reference 20. The Reference 20 runs relatively warm on the top/front/right of the unit in normal operation (even with the amplifier off). I detected no excessive heat from the Reference 20 or Niles amplifier.

I presented as much information as I can recall at the moment. Hopefully someone with some knowledge or experience of these components will be able to offer some advice or answers to what is plaguing the B&K.

Maybe it's got the swine flu.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Mmm... Smells like an old (1998) cooked B&K Reference 20!

Time to get a Japanese made Onkyo PR-SC885P for only $699.

By the time we figure out what the problem is and about 300 posts later, you'll be able to enjoy your new 885 in just few days.

Trust me, that is your fastest and best option.

Best regards,

Bob

 

[Seth=L]

Can't afford that right now.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Lordoftherings]

I'll lend you the money.

 

[walter duque]

Can't afford that right now.

Thanks for the advice.

I still like the B&K over any japanese product. Other than a display or DVD Player (since we don't build any, at least that I know of) I still like my electronics build in the US. At least if something goes wrong you know where to get it fixed.

 

[Lordoftherings]

I still like the B&K over any japanese product. Other than a display or DVD Player (since we don't build any, at least that I know of) I still like my electronics build in the US. At least if something goes wrong you know where to get it fixed.

DVD players? About Oppo? And McIntosh? Krell?

 

[walter duque]

DVD players? About Oppo? And McIntosh? Krell?

OPPO is US made? Designed and manufactured in the US, for that price that I've got to see that. I would even have doubts if McIntosh or Krell DVD Players are manufactured here. You're gona tell me they designe and manufacture their own plattforms, maybe a little tweak hear and there. Years ago I bought a Camellot Round Table made in Pennsylvania paid $4000.-- US Made DVD Player. Well little did I know at the time but when I got it home the screen said Panasonic. Well I just bought a tweaked out $350.00 DVD Player for $4000.-- and the thing never did work right, but I just had to have it. Nice faceplatte. By the way my next DVD Player will be an OPPO. Years ago people used to think Marantz was designed in the US too. They where always a Japanese Company had no ties with US at all, designing or manufacturing. Check out the web site below has a lot of good information.
http://www.audiotools.com/m.html

 

[rnatalli]

I find the whole outsourcing to China to lower prices for consumers BS. Ascend, Orb, Outlaw, and several others all make products right here in the US for a reasonable cost. I believe Axiom still makes their speakers in Canada. Although, I'm pretty sure most of the parts used probably come from overseas.

 

[walter duque]

I find the whole outsourcing to China to lower prices for consumers BS. Ascend, Orb, Outlaw, and several others all make products right here in the US for a reasonable cost. I believe Axiom still makes their speakers in Canada. Although, I'm pretty sure most of the parts used probably come from overseas.

Outlaw is designed and manufactured in the US that I'll have to see. I had the Atlantic Technology P-2000 Processor which is a rebadged Outlaw 950 and that sure said Made in Malaysia. Came from the same OEM. It was a very good processor and I did enjoy it for quiet a few years, good product. These days I don't know what and who to believe anymore. I know of one OEM that manufactures Power Amps for 6 different companies they range from $2450.-- to $9999.00 for the same amp the only difference is the name and face platte. Take the JBL Synthesis processor and the Lexicon. Who makes what for who.? Maybe Harmond Kardon who knowes?
http://www.home-technology-store.com/consulting/jbl-pre.aspx
http://www.lexicon.com/

 

[Seth=L]

I would prefer if the topic didn't wander off into left field. The problem isn't where the B&K is made.

I may have to accept my losses on this one. Based on the current market it's not likely I will repair it or technically "replace" it. I am more concerned with getting a different automobile than the sound system in my home. I've already put a temp solution in place of the seperates I was using.

 

[Swerd]

Seth=L

Have you tried the system reset button?

Call B&K customer service 1-800-543-5252. Open M-F 8:30-5:30 Eastern time.

Tell them your problem. The worst thing that can happen is they will say to send it to us so we can figure out whats wrong.

 

[walter duque]

I would prefer if the topic didn't wander off into left field. The problem isn't where the B&K is made.

I may have to accept my losses on this one. Based on the current market it's not likely I will repair it or technically "replace" it. I am more concerned with getting a different automobile than the sound system in my home. I've already put a temp solution in place of the seperates I was using.

I was just thinking the same thing, we got way off topic.

 

[yettitheman]

FACTORY RESET (PG 47)
Should you ever need to completely reset the A/V System Controller to the original factory settings from the front panel press the SLEEP, DOWN, and LEVEL buttons simultaneously. The A/V System Controller will perform a complete reset and erase all user programmed presets and menus.

Page 42:
Z1 Max Level - Z1 max level allows you to set a maximum volume level for zone 1. This is very useful if you are using speakers that can’t handle the maximum power output from your A/V System Controller or if you simply wish to limit the volume that can be achieved using normal front panel or remote operation.

WARNING - If you set this level too low, the A/V System Controller may appear broken (no sound).


Bore a hole in your head by RTFM:
http://www.bkcomp.com/fileadmin/content/content_products/manuals/Past/Preamp or receiver/REF20.pdf

And this time it wasn't Resident Evil with a M&K. It's a Stargate (Evil) with a B&K!

Stay away from equipment that has "&K" as you have bad luck with it.