nomar

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $200.00 from 2nd hand market

Summary:
This review for TX4430 THX (1995-98 model).Being predecessor of this model I think it's the right place for this post. As an AudioJunkie always on the lookout of quality audio stuff in the 2nd hand market discarded by some uninformed individuals. I got this unit just a couple of weeks ago from weekend garage sale for only $200.00. Since I already owned some B&K amps & preamps I knew this unit is a BIG step than my ST1400 to match my AVP3000 THX preamp . I'm very glad I didn't pass this up. When I got home, I found that the rail fuse on left channel was busted. Run to electronics shop bought fuse replacement for only 0.15cents, replaced the fuse and no sweat at all everything went back to normal. After a day of observations and tests for any abnormalities and found none, I decided to connect it into my system. First bi-wire to my Paradigm Studio 60v2. Immediately I noticed a tremendous improvement to overall sound specially the low end freq. I have to lower few dbs down on channel level. Bass output is 100% much better than my ST1400 105w/c. After a week I decided to try biamp mode to power the LF and my ST1400 take the HF. Again, it's another level of music refinement. I know, it's not same category to the more expensive gears but it brought me enjoyment in music listening even in a very extended time. My speakers got new character with better and high power amp. Musical instruments are more defined and in their own places. I always discover new sound of instruments in every track I played on my old cds I already played many times. All I can Say is this amp still a power performer regardless of its age, no hum and just warm to touch. It always have muscle reserve everytime you need. I could not test its limits. I'm afraid that my speakers cone will fly into orbit if I crank it hard, which I never did. Now, I'm on the market again to grab another B&K amp of the same power like EX4420, PRO600, ST3030 or ST2020 to replace my ST1400 on HF. You may wonder why I mentioned only old models coz B&K dealer in my place went out of electronics business and stopped dealing this brand 3 years ago. Those who don't know this name thought that it's just a piece of crappy black boxes.So, watch out more of these will show up in the used market when everyone is going crazy building up home-theater using AV Receivers that can't compare to separates.It could also play a big role in home-theater to power the 3 main channels L/C/R. Although I haven't heard lot of amps, I'm very happy with my audio only set-up. I also have home-theater system powered by Denon AVR2802 but I dont use it for serious music listening. I spend more time on listening to music, it's my habit to replay my CDs all over again. If you find it 4 sale don't hesitate, grab it immediately you won't be disappointed. It's a keeper!

Strengths:
quality parts and build, huge toroid power supply, xLR connection, silent performer.

Weaknesses:
huge

Similar Products Used:
Adcom, Carver, Luxman, Nad, Vocopro, Marantz, Denon, Yamaha and other amps.

drdredge

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Price Paid:  $1300.00 from Magnolia Hi-Fi

Summary:
My first impression with this model was a very exciting response. The sound and power coming from this model was utterly amazing. I used the B&K 4430 GOLD 200x3 as a secondary amplifier connected to a Tandberg4038 Pre-amp and 4036 Amp, having these two Amplifiers running at the same time. I wanted to hear how well the B&K 4430 Amp performed. To my amazement, I can definitely say the sound coming from the B&K 4430 was superb and had plenty of power to drive many different speakers. Very clear and distinctive to the listener. I bought this model to add additonal high power output for my existing system or future systems and was very pleased with it. There are level controls for each channel on the back of the B&K 4430 to adjust the sound levels according to your system requirements enabling you to match each speaker output level. I was able to add additonal channels to my system and have the volume level for each speaker tuned equally across the entire listening spectrum. I have done this sucessfully on several different Pre-Amp brand setups. I have since purchased other B&K products after this. The customer support from B&K is also impressive. The other nice feature with the B&K 4430 is the ability to utilize any Pre-Amplifiers available remote control mute switching feature. A control is provided on the Reference 4430 amplifier to allow remote switching of its mute on/off circuit. The preamplifier’s control output, can then be used to utilize a controlling signal to the Reference 4430. The Reference 4430 is a compact, very efficient, three channel power amplifier. It is designed to be used in all types of audio or audio/video systems. And does it very well, sharp and crisp in contrast to any listening environment. More accurate and three dimensional reproduction of source material and exhibits true THX certified sound quality.

Strengths:
Impressive low level detail for smoother, more musical sound. Can be used with many different pre-amplifiers to boost an impressive array of system performance. Alot of Power to supply the users demand. Output speaker load Impedance can drive between 2-8 ohm varying loads. Most amazing amplifier for repeated dependability and performance every time.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
B&K AVR 507

Price Paid:  $0.00 from Tweeter

Summary:
In contrast to what was writing prior to this post I have had this amp for sometime and i love it its bass is rich and full and it highs are smooth and lavishly crisp. Id reccomend it to anyone that wants a amp that sounds good and that will last a long time

Strengths:
Simple connections good value for the money.

Price Paid:  $0.00 from on loan

Summary:
This amp was kindly loaned to me while my cj Premier 8's were being repaired. it's just awful. No bass. Hideously tinny treble. Only reason I'm happy with it is I sometimes wonder if I can hear subtle differences others say they can. This proved I can tell the difference between amps.

Strengths:
none

Weaknesses:
see above

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