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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 3 responses by honest1

honest1 OP
586 posts
 
The Aleph 3 is an awesome amp! I’m just thinking it might not have enough power for the woofers, although it does sound pretty good. I’m hoping to get a bit more dynamic transient response with a bigger amp. I thought it threw a lot of heat until I got the Atmaspheres.
I would consider class D, but I don't really know what's out there.  I'd also like it to have a volume control and a preamp out to feed the subwoofer. 
honest1 OP
586 posts
 
Thanks for the comments all.  I had been using the MA1s full range, with autoformers, but there was still some edge to the sound and softness to the bass.  Changing to bi-amping improved the bass and took the edge off the midrange.  I suppose all the fussing I'm going through to get them to work together is a sign the Ascendos are not the best match with the Atmaspheres, but they do provide the best sound I've ever had, and, in some ways,  some of the best sound I've ever heard anywhere.  But, of course, I'm always looking to improve.Heat can be an issue.  Most summers, there is a brief time I don't use the system much, but this summer seems worse than most.  I am thinking it might be a good idea to use the Aleph 3 during the hottest months to drive the whole speaker full range.
honest1 OP
586 posts
 
Yes, I m now running Sylvanias in the 3 middle positions, GE on the drivers, and RCA on the CCS.  The Sylvanias are good across the spectrum, the RCAs tone down the highs a bit.  I have not tried the Black Treasures, but I did get some rare Blue Glass Treasures (these were prototypes)when the Treasures first came out. 
This reminds me, I haven't been tube shopping in a while.  I should probably buy more NOS tubes before they completely disappear.
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