Look into Luxman integrated amplifiers.
Salk speakers Integrated Amp suggestion......
I've been intrigued by Salk speakers for a while. It seems they receive high accolades from owners and non-owners alike and I'm thinking of putting in an order in for the SS 8's or SS 9.5's. They have an efficiency rating of 86/87.
My question is what Integrated Amp would pair well with the Salk's? I've heard them with the Wells Majestic at Axpona a couple of years ago, and although nice, it didn't blow me away. My budget would probably top out around $10k, give or take. I've been reading other threads and see Audio by Van Alstine mentioned, but no Integrateds.
Do I need a lot of power? I've been reading/looking at Pass, Hegel, Mac, ML & Aesthetixs Mimas to name a few. Prefer SS since I've never dealt with tubes, but am not adverse them or a hybrid. There are so many to choose from but I want something with synergy to the Salk's. Any recommendations?
Thanks.
My question is what Integrated Amp would pair well with the Salk's? I've heard them with the Wells Majestic at Axpona a couple of years ago, and although nice, it didn't blow me away. My budget would probably top out around $10k, give or take. I've been reading other threads and see Audio by Van Alstine mentioned, but no Integrateds.
Do I need a lot of power? I've been reading/looking at Pass, Hegel, Mac, ML & Aesthetixs Mimas to name a few. Prefer SS since I've never dealt with tubes, but am not adverse them or a hybrid. There are so many to choose from but I want something with synergy to the Salk's. Any recommendations?
Thanks.
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@skoorb824, if I may suggest, having someone blindly recommending an amplifier brand on these speakers will not serve you well, unless they own them and have tried them on various amps with some extensive testing and listening sessions. It might be best to speak with Jim first, particularly if you are seriously considering stepping up to the SS 9.5s. And, that Be tweeter that is. A neat speaker I admire from a design perspective, yet picking the right sounding source, amp, and cables will be key to leveraging their full & true potential. I’ve been chatting back and forth some with Jim this past year about a few different amplifiers and ideas... He’s apparently moved on from some he’s used in the past and trying different amps now too. There are at least 4-5 different amps I’d want to try with that particular speaker before settling. Best of Luck. |
@Scoorb824, See link below, scroll down a bit to the 4th photo. This setup was at CAS with the SS 9.5s. Jim recently commented to me about this amp too, if you want to go tube, he seemed to like this setup yet it was something in progress as I recall. Not sure if its available yet or not. And he’ll likely have other ideas for solid state. https://theaudiobeatnik.com/california-audio-show-2019-three-more-top-rooms/ |
Thanks for the insight. I think you're correct with me having a conversation with Jim. I understand someone blindly recommending an amplifier probably wouldn't be the best option, but since I can't hear these speakers before I purchase them I thought a few Agoner's might have a few recommendations of what works for them. Synergy again, with what might work well with the Salks @decooney691, love the looks of the McGary SA-2, I've just never used tube amps and am a little cautious of them. |
@skoorb824 All makes sense and agree its hard to match up without hearing them. The thought here is anyone who recommends an amp to you for Salks and they've never heard them or know what makes them sing, take it all with a grain of salt. As others suggested, maybe head over to AC Audiocircle and try a post on the Salk forum there, finding some members with the 9.5s who've tried a few amps could give you some starting ideas. Yes, tube amps can be a fuss if they are not designed or built well, and you do have to be somewhat committed about keeping an eye on the tubes, bias, yet the rewards can be wonderful too. Jim can share more on that too, seeing he's using them now too. Good Luck. |
