2. amps-preamps
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Another "Best" amplifier Question.

Hope I'm not beating on the old horse too hard. I had originally intended to buy The now discontinued KEF r3s but ended up with the new Meta instead. Very pleased so far but still in burn-in mode on days wife not working from home. 

Given my age, I intend for this to be my end game system (yea right). As per my previous post, system is the new R3 Metas, Bluesond Node, Technics SL-1200 MK2 with Ortofon Red, Sony UBP-X800M2 Blueray/CD and a Sony 55" XBR. No home theater set-up just seeking better audio from TV. Also Have an HSU VT1 sub. All feeding from a Yamaha R-N500 Receiver. System is hooked up to gigabit internet sevice  and I listen mainly to Amazon Ultra HD music. All in all, not a high end system but somewhat better than box store IMHO.

I feel I need to replace the receiver as it not the best power choice for the KEFs. In researching, I've hit that deer in the headlights point where I'm frozen and overwhelmed by choices. Right up front I need to establish that my budget is around $2k. Only local dealer I consider audiophile carries Lyngdorf, Atoll, Marantz, NAD and Boulder. He is really pushing The Atoll IN-100 but says the Lyngforf doesn't have enough grunt. Did not even discuss Marantz or NAD and Boulder is in another universe. Atoll lacks phono but can be added at extra cost.

Online choices that intrigue me most: Emotive BASX A2/PT2 combo. Lots of features and power. Can be had (w/ first time buyer discount) for about $1100. Yamaha A-S1200 or Marantz 30 are available open box or refurb for my price range as is a JBLSA750. The JBL has a strong amp and interesting feature set including room correction. I'm probably missing many choices but I'm interested in a high currebt and from communicating with KEF, best to have something thats comfortable driving up to 150 watts into 4 ohms.

Lots of knowledge laden people so I'm looking forward to some solid advice. Thanks in advance.

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Showing 1 response by arcticdeth

arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,549 posts
 

Separates!

 

nice 2 ch amp 300WPC / min.

good preamp.

keep checking the Gon! You can get a great amp and pre for just a smidge over your max, 

get a 2 ch,amp, you will be happier, receivers don’t have the hang bag or musicality   
 To power a good speaker pair. 
you can go receiver, but when you want some vol, and you will, a separate amp is miles ahead of any receiver. 
more with brand names will chime. 
 

one of my Best Buy’s was n Onkyo p-308 and a p-304 preamps, both silent, and add. Wee bit of depth in the lower frequencies, not much, but enough to take any high pitch glare away. 
sure a receiver will play fine, but in this collective, having the power and headroom available , is a look head must have, as sooner or later, upgrade will come lurking, be ready. A nice Sunfire amp will be great, send to Flannerys for update nd urged, returned perfect, sent my sig 600 to him, still flawless , will power Any speaker I can afford.

if your set on a receiver, then forget what you’ve read, and go shopping. 

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