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KT 150 Amp Options

It is tax return season, which usually means I immediately spend it all on a piece of equipment. I've been looking to upgrade to an amp that has been designed for the KT 150. They have been around for about 2 years now but I don't see a lot of amps designed for them. ARC came out with the REF 75 SE, which seems like a nice amp. However, I run an ARC SP3-C for my pre, which is an SE out. My understanding is the 75 is balanced which does not make them ideally compatible. I've been waiting for CJ to put out a KT 150, but am not sure if that is even on their radar. Any thoughts on a good KT 150 amp or any rumors on when the market will have some more options?
jgottget

Showing 9 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tubegroover,
I'd suspect your Quicksilver suggestion is on the mark.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Mapman,
I agree concerning one's perspective. It can make one very happy and willing to explore/appreciate alternative paths. It can also result in chronic frustration and bewilderment as well.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Yes,
This should be a very good pairing with the Siilver 88 KT150.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Weebeedad,
I've own a Quicksilver full function preamp for 20 years(now used in a second apartment system). It clearly outperformed my then Audio Research SP9 MK II and later a friend's Reference 2 line stage(5x the cost). It still sounds very good and is utterly reliable over all this time. This company tends to fly under the radar despite their consistently high quality componrnts for very reasonable money.

Word of mouth from people I respect say the QS V4 is an excellent amplifier. I'm inclined to believe the current V4 with improved transformers is quite an amplifier.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Weebeedad,
I haven't heard these two QS amps in any form of direct comparison so I can't offer an opinion in that regard. Based on principle and personal listening I agree with your premise. If power is sufficient I'll choose the amp with the simpler circuit and fewer output devices. Others will say the more power the better(so choose the V4) but I don't believe that's true. Naturally you'll get varying opinions on this topic(simpler vs power).
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tubegroover,
What are your current speakers?
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tubegroover,
As you know, Rebbi reports fabulous results using the same speakers as you have. He uses an 8 watt SET, and enjoys all genre of music with this set up. It would seem that the silver 88 amplifier with 80 W of power would be more than sufficient for your needs.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tubegroover,
Well you certainly had a very positive audition with the Quicksilver amplifier. Given your results and Rebbi's terrific impressions using the same speakers is interesting(very different amplifiers). For pure curiosity I'd love to hear the Quicksilver and the Audio Note Kit 300b SET in direct comparison with the De Capos. Seems you couldn't go wrong with either based on what both of you have written.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tubegroover,
It's certainly within reason that the QS may suit your needs better. Rebbi's experience is very adamant based on extended listening. Brownsfan also reports very similar impressions with the De Capos. He used two 8 watt amplifiers, Coincident Frankenstein and their Dynamo SEP. His findings are very positive as well. This reflects the obvious subjective nature of it all.
Charles,
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