2. amps-preamps
  3. 193653-202911

KEF 104/2 Amp Pairing - Rotel RA-1570 vs. Harman Kardon HK 3490 - Seeking Advice

I recently snagged a pair of KEF 104/2s and am looking for a good amplifier to pair them with. My listening space is a large-sized room, and I'll be using the setup for a mix of music and movies from my home theater PC and Nvidia Shield Pro. I'm also planning to integrate a subwoofer down the line.

I know the 104/2s like a good amount of power, and I want to make sure I get an amp that can really make them sing. Here are my two current options:

- Rotel RA-1570 ($500 used): Found one locally on Facebook Marketplace. It's spec'd to handle 4-ohm loads, but I'm struggling to find the actual power output at 4 ohms. Does anyone have this information? I'm curious about its overall sound signature with the KEFs. 

- Harman Kardon HK 3490 ($125 used): Advertised as 150 watts per channel at 4 ohms. This seems like it might have the raw power needed, but I'm concerned about the sound quality and whether it'll do the 104/2s justice. At that price point, it makes me wonder if I will be missing out on a lot.

Specifically, I'm looking for input on: 

- The real-world 4-ohm power output of the Rotel RA-1570. 

- Experiences pairing either of these amps (or similar models) with KEF 104/2s. 

- Thoughts on the sound quality and synergy of the HK 3490 with the KEFs. 

- Given my digital sources, and future subwoofer addition, are there other used amplifiers I should consider in the $500 or less price range? 

Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

mbondpdx

Showing 1 response by hoytis

hoytis
106 posts
 

Yes, the Rotel can handle 4 ohm speakers, but only one pair of speakers at a time. If using both A/B then all the speakers need to be 8 ohms.

The Rotel puts out 100 watts at 8 ohms. It's only going to be more (probably 150-200W) at 4 ohms. You're totally fine there.

I have 104/2 speakers as well. I've run them with a Dynaco ST-70 tube amp, which is only 35 watts, and it sounded wonderful. But you are correct in that they really come alive with more power. I currently use a Mark Levinson 27.5 power amp which puts out 200 watts into 4 ohms and it's way more than enough; preamp volume knob never really needs to get above 9 o'clock.

As for HK, I wouldn't shy away from that either. SQ is always great from that company in my experience. I don't think you can go wrong with either. But if it was me, I'd go Rotel. Just make sure they have the inputs you need if you're going full A/V with it all.

More to discover