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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
hiend2's avatar
hiend2
467 posts
 

Those are great speakers and are real classics and a great choice

will reward you 

I would find a good power amp and separate preamp set right off the bat

you find plenty of help here

rogue makes some great tube bases stuff

hint

hoytis
105 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.

joekapahulu
259 posts
 

I had a 3490 for a number of years and it was quite nice for the price. I would call it very good mid-fi or entry level hifi. However, a grid issue a few years back hit it hard and I lost it. It would not turn on without defaulting into protection mode. I finally got rid of it to a electronics collection dump. I have heard the Rotel you are referencing and I think it is overall a better unit with cleaner power, more current and a better power supply. It sounded pretty neutral when I heard it so it might go well with the Kefs. I have Kef 300s and they benefit from more power too or at least more current.

mbondpdx OP
1 posts
 

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! After doing some more research, I picked up an Integra DTC-9.8 for $180 today and will likely be adding a Rotel RMB-1075 on Sunday for $500. Hopefully, they’ll pair well with the speakers. Either way, it’s sure to be an upgrade from the soundbar and sub, and I’m really looking forward to getting everything set up!

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