can you return any after listening?
Help in selecting 1 of 3 amplifiers
I’ve narrowed my choices for a new integrated amplifier to 3: Peachtree Nova 125 se, Rogue Sphinx, and Wyred 4 Sound mINT. The amplifier will be paired with Kef ls50s and play mainly digital files either from an Onix XCD-88, or an SMSL Sanskrit external DAC (won’t use the external if I get the Wyred or the Peachtree). What are your thought on choosing one? I can’t audition any of the amps where I live so I’ll be buying it blind, umm unheard?
the room is on the larger side since it’s a combined living room and kitchen 15’x25’. The speakers will be in a built in wall unit. Acoustically the room is pretty good, even our Samsung tv sounds darn good, so I’m not worried about the ls50s being unable to fill The room. I’m trying to keep the cost down so I’ll be picking it up used, if Zi can find one. Help me pick the winner!
the room is on the larger side since it’s a combined living room and kitchen 15’x25’. The speakers will be in a built in wall unit. Acoustically the room is pretty good, even our Samsung tv sounds darn good, so I’m not worried about the ls50s being unable to fill The room. I’m trying to keep the cost down so I’ll be picking it up used, if Zi can find one. Help me pick the winner!
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I've owned several Peachtree amps and had reliability issues with each of them. In addition, I submit there is some type of abnormality with the mids/highend of the Peachtree amps. My friend went from a Peachtree 220se to a Rogue and he couldn't believe the difference between the two...he quickly sold the Peachtree. |
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Bob is correct, lovey speakers the LS50’s but if you want the best from them they need a bit of current from an amp, because of the combination of 5.3 ohms and –41° at 135Hz which could equate to an EPDR of around 3ohms as seen by the amp. As an example for a small integrated, I can think of the little old Krell 300i that would suit. Stereophile: Krell 300i " 250W peak program, 8 ohms, grew to 400W peak into 4 ohms with 620W peak available into 2 ohms. These figures are backed by ample peak current, measured at approximately ±45A" http://www.stereophile.com/images/1212KEF50fig1.jpg Stereophile Quote: "The electrical phase angle is generally mild, but the combination of 5.3 ohms and –41° at 135Hz, a frequency where music often has high energy, will make the speaker work at its best with a good, 4 ohm–rated amplifier." Cheers George |
Again, I am blown away by the knowledge base of the members of Audiogon. Thank you all for your thoughts. Bob I didn't realize you were still around. I recall your posts on the Qinpu amplifiers several years ago. I'm finally parting ways with my 1.0x although I am curious to see how the ls 50s would sound with it. Any others out there with opinions on the Rogue, Peachtre and Wyred4sound? |
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Later model to the one I mentioned, but still with Krell low impedance drive ability. " Krell touts its massive 750VA toroidal transformer and 38,000 microfarads of capacitance as among the more potent ever incorporated into an integrated amplifier. –Neil Gader " https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-krell-s300i-2017-02-19-integrateds-33315-2524-fort-lauderdale-fl https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-krell-s-300i-stereo-integrated-amplifier-pristine-1738-2017-03-02-integrateds-80020-broomfield-co Cheers George |
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What is your budget? For my money you can't get a better DAC at ANY price than the PS Audio DirectStream DAC. Sublime. Converts digital to DSD which simulates analog on an oscilloscope. Go to their website and check out the reviews, videos, etc. I run Nordost Heimdall 2 balanced cables out from the DAC to a Krell Foundstion and it's pretty sensational....and reliable. |
I had the KEFs ls50s paired with the Rogue Sphinx for a while. In my smallish room, it was a bright combination. (Some people love this pairing, but I've also noted others who reported it was bright.) I now have my KEFS paired with the Vinnie Rossi LIO, which is a magical combination (although the LIO is quite a bit more $$$ than the amplifiers on your list.) Closer to ones you are looking at, I have heard the Schiit Ragnorak is a great match. Since Schiit offers a trial period, it would be easy to try it out. Good luck! Margot |
Not on the OP's original list, but another +1 for PrimaLuna. A friend's LS50's really sing with this integrated. Seems to be a popular combination. http://www.primaluna-usa.com/prologue-premium-integrated |
Thanks for all the great suggestions and helpful information. I missed out on a couple of great buys over the week but was notified by Peachtree Audio that a recertified Nova 125 SE was available for a great price and in the rosewood finish, which is the one I liked best. So after much consideration I'm going to pull the trigger on it tomorrow (unless a great bargain pops up overnight!). I'll likely get it later this week and then Ill share my report! |
Yes one of the members mentioned issues with the Peachtree unit they previously owned. Didn't see any pistsnon this thread about the others though. Yes I agree I am taking a bit of a gamble, but since the unit comes with a warranty it's not to worrisome expense wise. The nice part is the factory checked over the unit and took care of any issues. The same assurance cannot be had when purchasing a second-hand unit via a forum, etc. if problems do arise though, I won't hesitate to return it and try something else, so I do appreciate the reminder that there were quality issues with the Peachtree. Will update soon. |
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