New B&K Preamp
B&K Components has introduced their new Reference 70 preamp/preprocessor. Expanding on the success of the previous Reference 50 Series 2, the Ref. 70 has been upgraded with the latest and greatest audio and video technologies and at a price point which makes it a very attractive solution for any size home theater.
The majority of new features are focused on video so the Ref. 70 can be integrated and take advantage of 1080p video. Centered around a Silicon Optix Reon HQV high performance video processor, all incoming video sources are scaled to 1080p and output via HDMI. Along with the outstanding video upgrades, the audio procesing has also been revamped to handle all current audio formats; including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MD Master Audio.
Two other very noticeable improvements are an on-screen display, which works via HDMI up to 1080p, and the new front panel interface which provides easy access of all of the preamps features.
Here are all the highlights:
- 14 Discrete Audio & Video Inputs
- 6 HDMI Inputs and 1 HDMI Monitor Output. (version 1.3b)
- 8 Component Inputs and 2 Component Monitor Outputs
- Upconverting and Scaling of Component, S-Video and Composite to HDMI
- True Scaling up to 1080p
- CinemaScope Scaling for 2.35 Aspect Ratio Screen (Lens Needed)
- B&K’s GUI On-Screen Interface with Overlays up to 1080p via HDMI
- 16 Digital Inputs (8 optical / 8 coaxial) Including Digital Audio on the 6 HDMI Inputs
- Ethernet port (RJ-45) for IP Command and Control
- Flash upgrade Capability
- Full 2-Way RS-232
- Built-In 14 Source Discrete IR Routing
- Built-In FM/AM Tuner with up to 40 Simple Tuner Preset Stations
- Rear IR Input Jack (1/8” Minijack)
- 5.1 / 7.1 Analog Inputs for SACD / DVD Audio / Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio
- New Smart Sync Programmable Audio & Video Preferences by B & K
- USB 2.0 for Computer Programming
- 1 Pair Balanced (XLR) Input / 1 Balanced Digital Input
- 8 Unbalanced (RCA) Outputs / 8 Balanced (XLR) Outputs
- 5 Year Parts & Labor Warranty
- Made in the U.S.A.
The Reference 70 is currently shipping with a MSRP of $3,798.
Tags: B&K, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, HDMI 1.3b, preamp, preprocessor, Reference 70, Reon HQV, Silion Optix