this might sound like a dumb question, but I have never owned a tube amp..what do they do to the sound in comparison to solid state integrateds? (which is all I've ever owned)..Also, do tube amps only perform well with certain genres of music? I listen to a wide variety..
Amp recommendation for KEF LS50
I’ve had the LS50’s for a while now and have been saving up for a new integrated to power them. Currently using Rotel ra-12 which sounds good but I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations in an amp that pairs well with the KEF’s. I have a budget around $2k and can stretch to $2,500 if need be. Not many dealers in my area so any help would be greatly appreciated! Also, room is roughly 12x15. I have added room treatment to help as well.
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I borrowed a Primaluna integrated (Prologue) from my local dealer recently and it sounded fantastic! This was my first foray with tubes and I was impressed by the impact and large soundstage; nice, tight, deep bass too. I've never heard the LS50's, but I can vouch for the Primaluna. Another great amp in your price range is the SimAudio 250i. Occasionally, you'll see the Sim i-1 (original 250i) for about $800 on Agon. I liked it so much I eventually bought their 700i. |
Yamaha AS501 (2x85 watt) or AS701 (2x100 watt)? See here for reviews of the previous models, the AS 500 and the AS 700: http://www.avhub.com.au/product-reviews/hi-fi/yamaha-a-s500-amplifier-review-test-395710 http://www.avhub.com.au/product-reviews/hi-fi/yamaha-a-s700-integrated-amplifier-393552 The added benefit of the new models is that they have digital inputs as well. The executive summary is that these are perfect amplifiers that behave impeccably, even under difficult loads. They will not add to or substract from the sound. Harbeth will use an AS701 at the upcoming Bristol audio show, to demonstrate their P3ESR. The argument is that you do not need expensive electronics for excellent sound. |
I paired LS50s with a Creek Evolution 100a for my bedroom system and love how they sound together. Standard it comes with analog inputs only, but Creek has tuner, DAC/Tuner, & phono modules available that can easily be added to keep everything a 1 box solution if you need those functions. If you already have separate ones you like you or won’t need them, you aren’t paying for something superfluous. I talked to another audiogon member who has one and he noted it was better than his Peachtree Nova 300 with the Kefs. |
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