The Salon 1 has a sensitivity of 87dB/2.83V/m which is moderate voltage demand (not too sensitive, not to hard to drive voltage wise too) @lanjett
It is a current biased speaker though with its impedance dipping below 4 ohm two times at 50Hz and 95Hz. Basically, you need 4-ohm stable amplifier that can deliver decent current flow and moderate VRMS.
Two of this is what you need - Apollon Purifi 1ET9040BA Eigentakt Monoblock
Ample current and power delivery whilst being more efficient and less of heat generators. They have incredible damping factor so control of transducer is TOTL
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In the early 2000's , I owned and absolutely loved a pair of Revel Salon 1 speakers. At that time, I drove the Salon 1's to phenomenal effect, and I mean "PHENOMENAL" effect, with a Classe CA401 stereo amplifier. So naturally, I would highly recommend a pair of Classe Audio mono-block amplifiers. I currently owns a pair of Revel Salon 2 speakers, which I will ride off into the sunset with. Nowadays, my audio system is set-up in a not so large room, so I simplified and downsized my audio system. Currently, I drive my Salon 2's with a Hegel H590 integrated amp, which is so incredible, I don't miss the big separates one bit. Happy listening
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I had the Revel Salons 1's for 5 years and used Bryston 7B-SST monos with them. Not a great combo on top but I had a lot of good times with that setup.
However, if I had the Salon 1 today and wanted mono blocks I would wait for the Schitt Audio replacement of the Tyr monos. I have the $2000 Schitt Wotan stereo amp, and it is better than the 7B-SST in almost all respects. The bass on the 7B-SST was amazing, not sure if the stereo Wotan is the same level. The fact that I am not sure is a win for the Wotan.
This summer Schitt will release the upgraded Tyr mono amps, and I think it will have some resemblance to the Wotan. I would have no issue using the Wotan on the Salon1, the Tyr likely will be even better and not break the bank.
My other amp, the stereo CODA #16 would be even better than the Wotan (and likely the new Tyr), but it is hard to find used (under $10k).
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My Salon 2's loved my Audionet Max amps. Used I have seen them between 13 and 18k. They are amazing. The Audionet Amps can be had for under 10k, but the Max is the sweet spot in their line. The Salons love power and current. An awesome combo.
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Looking at the specs on those, it is important to note if you are using balanced connections that the input impedance is quite low for XLR. As long as the output impedance of your preamp is below 300 ohms, you will be okay. If you go unbalanced there is a lot more room to move with 37kohm input impedance.
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Nice Stereo System. Hard to justify the word "upgrade" from those Krells. If they are working to spec., it will be difficult to improve the sound. Those amps were the grail for many people when they came out. If you are bored with the sound, then, you could try tube mono amps and start a whole new phase of tinkering. I am not sure I believe all the rave reviews of the new Class D mono amps. If you have other reasons for making the change, ie. size, weight, heat, cost of electricity, age, etc..., then, you have many options....
Note: The way things are going, Class A looks to be going extinct in the future... If it was me, I think I would have those Krells checked out for a possible recap and bias and call it a day.
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I agree with @hjdca, the Krell KMA 160 mono amps are first class, you would have to spend $50,000 or more to best the Krells see here.
Mike
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I drive mine with amp rolling of michi m8,mcintosh 1.25,bryston 28b3.have not put krell 700mcx or 650 mcx on yet.i did get a satori beryllium tweeter put in both on the front.direct fit but had to drill small hole in opening of tweeter inset of salon to get neg lead to fit. I can always take them out if I sell them.the reviews are fantastic on these salon 1 and they talk about jbl test sound room steve at high performance stero is recapping krell on east coast and George mayer on west coast.between 2 to 3k. You could try d sonic class d direct from factory offers 30 day trial.purify prosper amp module 1.5k 2k into 4 ohms.just a thought . Enjoy the search.and the music
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Save a little money and try Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R. Plenty of power from B&O Ice Modules.
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500WPC Bryston 7bST's/ whatever their newest equivelent will rock the Revels. I came across a second hand 14b (single chassis 500wpc) to power my Nautilus 802's, That amp ended my madness of non stop gear changes. As a side note, I have a pair of Revel Ultima Gems that I use in one of my desktop systems- Revel made some special stuff for sure.
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Kevin Voecks used Levinson amps to design these speakers. You might want to look at mid 90's amps from them. I had a pair of Studios and Gems from that era. Very nice speakers.
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What’s your budget? What size is your room?
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Van alstine passed away recently what a loss.his 750 monoblock is a bargain and now 15% off.last time they had that sale i bought 2 sets.read the review on thier site.they pulled so much they shut down my ps audio regenerator 20.had to hook it up to furman 20i that has huge 60 amp caps for transients also audioquest 7000 has same magic box let's amps pull transients designed by same engineered as furman but newer technology. Van i think has 30 day trial.so much to choose from.happy hunting.went to harbor freight bought a 10 awg extension cord to hook monoblocks up to furman.my hegel h30 a set ps 20 into limp mode as well but otherwise thier fantastic. I buy almost all my stuff open box or used.van and some emotiva is the only thing I bought new on sale.enjoy the hunt
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Infigo Method 3 mono's are outstanding and run cool.
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A pair of Modwright KWA 99's just popped up today at The Music Room (tmraudio.com) for $7749.
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After owning many different amps, I have found the Michi 8 mono blocks to be the best in performance and cost ($15,000 for the pair). And they just added a software/firmware upgrade with some really cool looking VU meters.
Below is a review by Michael Fremer in Stereophile in which he compared the Michi 8 to his very expensive darTZeel NHB-468’s amps. ($170,000/pair)
Rotel Michi M8 monoblock power amplifier | Stereophile.com
ozzy
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@mark200mph
I drive mine with amp rolling of michi m8,mcintosh 1.25,bryston 28b3
Can you describe the differences between these 3 amps on your Salon1.
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The bryston are a little dry as described elsewhere.the mcintosh is smooth and the mcintosh house sound that I like.the michi is a bargain but rarely show up used. It is rotel top line amp. The Mac have best base soft mid and great highs as does the michi. Maybe I just like the meters in both. You know d sonic and van alstne have 30 day trial.you could do that and if you don't like it go with the other big amps.im with ozzy on the bang for michi.read the reviews on all these big amps they explain it well. Enjoy the search
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@lanjett
Well within your stated budget, I would consider simply upgrading from Revel Salon 1 to Salon 2 and keeping your classic Krell monoblocks.
Not only do you already own a matching, outstanding pre, but you would be hard pressed to find new amps that come within a mile of your Krells without tripling or quadrupling your budget.
My two cents, obviously.
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A music buddy drives his Salon 2 with Parasound JC1 monos. If it were me, I'd try some Class D monos. Many good choices out there.
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I appreciate all of the great, thoughtful responses. I have owned these KMA-160's for about 20 years! I do love the sound i have, but then again i don't have much to compare it to. The only thing i feel like it is lacking is the 3 dimensional soundstage....and you always think maybe there is "something better" out there. In addition it would be nice to try something different. You guys brought up brands that i was either not familiar with or had not considered. Now i am researching! Thank you. I was truly surprised that i did not get PASS LABS or old Krell recommendations. Someone mentioned that Kevin Voecks designed the Revel's with the Martin Logan's in mind....any recommendations on which ML mono's would be good? I considered going outside of my budget and looking at the ML 33's or ML33-H's but the repair cost and risk did not seem worth it. About in that same price range i think you could get a pair of Krell Evolution One's, any comments on those?
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Mark Levinson not Martin Logan
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If you have the money..?? Check out the "BLOCK AUDIO MONO AMPS...
200 watts pure class A....and then some. Very Serious Amps....for a down and gritty Audiophile.... world Class all the way....G
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PS Audio has their BHK 300 Monos on closeout. Might be worth considering...
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@durangoat, yes I saw that, like half price. Read some of the reviews and seems like a great amp for the $.
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