2. amps-preamps
  3. 176876-14697

Best Amp for Type AA Klipschorns (1978)

Have an Atma-Sphere MP-3 pre, BelCanto Streamer/Dac. Running Roon. I have been toying with the idea of replacing my amp. Only to make things more user friendly for my wife long term. I’ve toyed with the idea of Class D and then come back to Pass Labs. Been researching First Watt and the XA-25. Seems people prefer the XA-25 over the 30.8’s.  Anyone here have Atma-Sphere Class D? If not class D what do you guys think about the Pass Labs I am looking at for these speakers?  Any comments are appreciated. Thanks in advanced. 

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Showing 2 responses by sns

sns
3,003 posts
 

SET amps best with my Khorns, but since no tubes for you. I'd go with one of the sweeter toned First Watt amps. you don't need more power than what they offer. After much research, the First Watt was going to be my next try with SS amps. I had a Musical Fidelity M2si in for an audition at one time, pleasantly surprised by not feeling greatly deprived versus my two SET and one push pull tube amps.

sns
3,003 posts
 

With Khorns quality of watts all important, you could probably run them just fine with a 2a3, perhaps even 45 tube amps. The issue with all the lower power tube amps is you need nice power supply to cope with pretty severe impedance curve that slides down to around 3 ohm at 100hz.

 

First Watt amps say it all with their brand name, the first watt is the most important, Khorns can take advantage of that. I can't recall the First Watt models I was specifically looking at but I think the F7 and J2 were both on my list.

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