2. amps-preamps
  3. 1205484759

Which Super Integrated Amp to drive planars?

So, i've narrowed down my shortlist to the below amplifiers to drive my LFT 8B Planar speakers. These are all big powerful integrated amps - having a preference of integrateds at this pricepoint. My source is an Esoteric SA60. I play nearly all music genre.

Can any forum members share their views / experience with any of the below mentioned amps - preferably where driving difficult / low sensitivity (84dB or less) full range speakers? Comments on the synergy between the above and below mentioned products also deeply appreciated.

Super Integrateds (High Power products only)

BAT VK-300X SE -------------------[150w 8ohm, 300w 4 ohm]
Coda Continuum CSI ltd edition --[220w 8ohm, 440w 4 ohm]
Krell 400xi --------------------------[200w 8ohm, 400w 4 ohm]
Pass Labs INT-150 ----------------[150w 8ohm, 300w 4 ohm]
Unison Research Unico 200 -------[200w 8ohm, 350w 4 ohm]
Boulder 865 Integrated -----------[150w 8ohm, 300w 4 ohm]
Sim Audio Moon i-7 ---------------[150w 8ohm, 250w 4 ohm]

Thanks
kiwi_1282001

Showing 1 response by isanchez

isanchez
276 posts
 

I had the Krell 300iL driving my Maggies 3.6. I'm know driving the Maggies with a Spectron Musician III Signature Edition and the difference is night and day. There is nothing like a powerful and refined amp to drive speakers with low sensitivities. I thought 400w into 4 ohms were ok to drive the Maggies until I tried 800w into 4 ohms. There is a lot more control over the decay and solidity of the musical notes that weren't simply there with the Krell.

I've used this amp via the volume control on the Benchmark DAC1 and using Promitheus Audio C-core Reference TVC. The best sound comes with the TVC. The sound is taut, well controlled and very articulate. Imaging is simply world class. This amp is extremely transparent and will expose the strength of your system, but will also display the iniquity of any component in your system.

BTW, this combination is about the same price as the up-marked components in the list.

iSanchez

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