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Integrated for bi-amping with AtmaSphere MA1s

My speakers (Ascendo ZF3s) have separate terminales for each driver.  I am currently using Atmasphere MA1s for the mids and tweets, and using a Pass X1 and Aleph3 for the woofers.  I'm also using a set of old Entec LF20 subwoofers crossed over with a Behringer Ultracurve pro for the really low frequencies.  I would like to replace the X1 and Aleph3 with a more powerful integrated, and am not sure what to use.  I've been away from this hobby for a number of years, but my first instinct when I think low frequencies is Krell.  The S300i looks intriguing, but I've read that it comes from a dark time in Krell's history, and may not be terribly reliable, and not up to the stnadards of low-frequency reproduction Krell is known for. 
Is this a good choice?  What else should I consider?
honest1

Showing 2 responses by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
@honest1



Review from 6 Moons on the Ascendo ZF3s :
"Finally in my opinion these speakers require really powerful amps to drive. It’s not obvious when you check their technical specifications as both sensitivity and impedance seem reasonable but my time with them proved otherwise."


This is the most likely reason to get a good bass mid/bass amp like I mentioned in my 1st post.
Spec’d at 5ohm "nominal" (the ZF3’s could be even lower in spots especially in the bass) and no mention of what degree of -phase angle there is, which could exacerbate any low impedance problems even further.

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
honest1

The MA1’s OTL’s would be fast, so you need an amp to blend well with that, and yet have strong bass control, and yet with a good lower mid sound. I don’t think the 30w of the Aleph is the way to go.

If you want an integrated that can have speed good bass control and have good lower mids, Yes the Krell S300i would do, also a Gryphon Diablo 120 would be nice, or even a Pass Labs Int-60.

Cheers George
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