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Looking for 200 watt Amp to drive Dynaudio Heritage speakers

Hi Everyone - 

BACKGROUND 


A few years ago, during Covid and after having worked for so many years without really treating myself to a sound system, I took the plunge and started purchasing audio equipment. Unfortunately, I was a terribly uninformed audio buyer and dove in with some purchases that were not terribly well considered. Oh well. 

So here we are today... I have a pair of Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers that I was considering selling.

The Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers require power to open up. Driven at 100 watts, they sound a little anemic and the treble dominates at lower levels. So they ended up in the closet for the last year with plans to sell them. In retrospect, the dealer I purchased them suggested a lower wattage amp than was advisable. 

For my primary system, I'm now running QLN Prestige Three speakers with a Conrad Johnson Classic 120 EL34 amp, LTA Microzotl preamp, Merason DAC1 and Innuos Zenith. The sound of this system is wonderful - ethereal, nuanced, great soundstage and imaging. Very relaxing combo. 

I'm thinking of cycling the Dynaudio into circulation for a few months a year to change things up. I'm looking for a 200 Watt Solid State Amp. But here's the thing, I'm getting older and lugging heavy things around - especially when stairs are part of the equation - is terribly unappealing. 50-55 pounds is pretty much my limit right now.  

I had some Pass Labs amps in for home demos and the thing was a back breaker. I think it was 80 pounds or so. My days of pseudo body building are over... so lugging that thing up and down stairs is something I NEVER want to do again. 

QUESTION FOR THE FORUM 

Can anyone suggest a reasonably priced solid state 200 watt SS amp - no more than 50-55 pounds - that I can use to enjoy these Dynaudio Heritage Speakers? Class AB or Class D, obviously. For weight considerations, I'm really open to a Class D amp, assuming it sounds good. 

Budget is $5K or under - new or used. 

In terms of what I'm looking for - and given my weight requirements - I'd say the primary thing I'm looking to avoid is overt brightness. Otherwise, I'm pretty open to what suggestions the forum might have. Thanks in advance! 
 

128x128bluethinker

Showing 3 responses by njkrebs

njkrebs
33 posts
 

I own Dynaudio HS, run them with an Octave V80SE integrated tube amp (with super black box) and I love the combination. The Pass Labs INT25 or 60 and the Luxman class A integrated amps (used) would all be excellent. 

njkrebs
33 posts
 

@soix 

Yes, you’re absolutely correct…I reread OPs post and it seems he does want to swap in a new amp. Sorry for mucking up your post OP, with recommendations not salient to your question! Personally, given your ideas of weight restrictions I’d sell the preamp and consider one of the integrated amps suggested. There are many manufacturers out there with well-designed and built integrated amps that will get you 90-95% of separates within a certain price point of course. 

njkrebs
33 posts
 

@mofojo 

Yes, I tried several other integrated amps before Octave and I love its tonal balance, very dynamic with the super black box (essentially a huge capacitor bank). You can roll several different types of output tubes, but for this amp, the KT120s or KT150s work best especially with the Dynaudios. I use NOS Amperex Bugle Boy tubes for the preamp stage and driver tubes along with my phonostage, and this has made the biggest difference in sound quality. The Amperex tubes are stunningly good! Tube gear requires more time investment, but to me it’s a fun part of the hobby. 

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