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Best Amplifier for LS3/5a

Happy New Year All!  Seeking advice from LS3/5 enthusiasts!  I have tried a number of these speakers (Graham, Harbeth, Falcon and KEF LS50's (if that counts)) - and to me the Falcon Gold Badge really stood out. It's been a while now since I did the comparison, so I don't remember all the details - but I felt that the Falcons were the most musical, engaging, open and did NOT have bloated bass (important for a small room)!  I've held on to a pair for my bedroom system, but I don't think that my current bedroom amps (AGD Audions, which I love with my current Raidho XT-1 monitors) are the best match for them.  I get a bit too much sizzle on the top and some associated sibilance.

Herb Reichert (Stereophile) seems to love these speakers, and his review notes that the Parasound A21+ was too dry with these speakers, but he really liked the Line Magnetic LM-518 IA.  That's not going to work for me!  In this bedroom system I keep the amp(s) under the bed and generally leave them on 24/7.  If possible, I prefer a balanced design, as I want NO HUM in my bedroom and my DAC/Pre (Weiss 501) has both balanced and RCA outs.

Based on the intended setup, I think balanced solid state would make the most sense. Amp selection might be influenced by the speakers having 15 ohm input impedance.

Any suggestions?  Thanks, Peter

peter_s
Post removed 
peter_s OP
1,348 posts
 

@sumaato Thanks for that.  I am definitely interested in trying out the quad amplifiers.

twinski66's avatar
twinski66
16 posts
 

I’ve paired the Falcon Goldbadge LS3/5 monitors with the SPL Audio Performer s900 power amp (200 watts @ 8 ohms). It has L/R trim level feature to fine tune the gain in .5db steps (0db to -5.5db). It enables compatibility with different preamps and speakers by precisely adjusting the signal level coming into the amplifier; essentially, it lets you "trim" the input to fit your set up. There’s an s800 model. I prefer the s900 because it has both XLR & RCA inputs. The s800 is limited to XLR but pairs equally as well. I have the SPL Diamond DAC coupled with the SPL amp. The Falcons require power to perform optimally in my experience…given its 15 ohm rating…the 200 watts @ 8 ohms are supplying up to 100 watts (approximate). Note: SPL audio offers 1/2 rack width/compact prosumer gear that can be stacked & configured in a customized way.

lewl28
51 posts
 

Accuphase Class A would be another good match. 

jastralfu's avatar
jastralfu
441 posts
 
  1. I have a pair of Falcon Q7s (which are LS3/5as in a slightly larger volume cabinet) that I run using a McIntosh MA8900 and they sound excellent with this integrated amp. No sibilance with a wide and deep soundstage, and excellent imaging. I don’t recall if the Mac is fully balanced though. It does have XLR inputs and outputs but not sure if the internal design maintains that separation.
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