Another "Best" amplifier Question.


Hope I'm not beating on the old horse too hard. I had originally intended to buy The now discontinued KEF r3s but ended up with the new Meta instead. Very pleased so far but still in burn-in mode on days wife not working from home. 

Given my age, I intend for this to be my end game system (yea right). As per my previous post, system is the new R3 Metas, Bluesond Node, Technics SL-1200 MK2 with Ortofon Red, Sony UBP-X800M2 Blueray/CD and a Sony 55" XBR. No home theater set-up just seeking better audio from TV. Also Have an HSU VT1 sub. All feeding from a Yamaha R-N500 Receiver. System is hooked up to gigabit internet sevice  and I listen mainly to Amazon Ultra HD music. All in all, not a high end system but somewhat better than box store IMHO.

I feel I need to replace the receiver as it not the best power choice for the KEFs. In researching, I've hit that deer in the headlights point where I'm frozen and overwhelmed by choices. Right up front I need to establish that my budget is around $2k. Only local dealer I consider audiophile carries Lyngdorf, Atoll, Marantz, NAD and Boulder. He is really pushing The Atoll IN-100 but says the Lyngforf doesn't have enough grunt. Did not even discuss Marantz or NAD and Boulder is in another universe. Atoll lacks phono but can be added at extra cost.

Online choices that intrigue me most: Emotive BASX A2/PT2 combo. Lots of features and power. Can be had (w/ first time buyer discount) for about $1100. Yamaha A-S1200 or Marantz 30 are available open box or refurb for my price range as is a JBLSA750. The JBL has a strong amp and interesting feature set including room correction. I'm probably missing many choices but I'm interested in a high currebt and from communicating with KEF, best to have something thats comfortable driving up to 150 watts into 4 ohms.

Lots of knowledge laden people so I'm looking forward to some solid advice. Thanks in advance.

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My suggestion to the OP, is to go find a highend Audio retail shop (not Magnolia!!) and see if what you have stacks up to some top notch gear! If so, keep what you have, if not, you have some decisions to make. 😉

I have Kef LS50's and have been on an amplification upgrade path since I have owned them. I originally had my vintage Nakamichi TA-3 driving them, but planned to upgrade. I tried a Rogue Sphinx v1, but it seemed a bit dry. Tried a Musical Fidelity MS3i, very musical, but underpowered. The M5Si is actually a pretty good suggestion. I finally settled on a NAD 375BEE integrated, nice warm sound, lots of power. Then I bypassed the preamp in the NAD with a Schiit Freya, this was a huge upgrade. Finally, for now, I upgraded to a Coda #8 power amp. Another major upgrade.

My recommendation at a minimum, is to get a Freya S for a preamp, unless you want the tubes. I don't use my tubes often. The Freya is A (for sound/value) rated by one of the main hi-fi mags. Then choose your power amp. I have never heard Emotiva, but just a hunch you can do better. I really liked my NAD, maybe the 298 or Audio Advisor has an open box 275BEE that would work as well, though these are discontinued. Used Parasound or Hegel would be great, or even better, choices as well.

I do not play my music loud (any more), but my Kef's still need a lot of ready current, and the heft to drive 4 ohm speakers. 

Let us know what you decide.

 

 

Emotive at the price range is an excellent choice 300 watts.

Again about value (cost) vs output (performance)

I will probably make a decision by this weekend. Taking a bunch of stuff I've accumulated over the years to a place in Kansas City that repairs audio gear and also buys. None of it, except for my Yamaha CR2020, is worth trying to sell online as it doesn't rise up to audiophile level. Hopefully will be better than taking to recycling. Thanks everyone for the tips so far. 

Thinking about this, I do a reality check. I've always had a love for music but in my formative years, most of my listening was done on an old AM table radio until my father sprang for suitcase stereo record player, Also hung a little transistor AM radio from the mirror in my 1956 Mercury. No FM yet. Me and music have come a long way since them. Though far from affluent, I can afford more than I'm looking for, but. I also love my guitars, 2 Martin acoustics. So to me and my realistic needs, the range I'm in price wise will certainly make me happy. Not going down the rabbit hole of chasing the grail.

So. Still have a pining for that big Yammy. Also not ruled out the Marantz 30 (these would be at open box or refurb pricing. Still intriguing: Arcam SA20, the M5si or Rotel RA1572 MK2. Despite some of the naysayers, I may end up with the Emotiva BASX combo. XA2 amp and PT2 pre. Most features and one of the stoutest amps in this group for about $1200 all in.

Once again, thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. Great group!

I have Kef R300s which were the predecessor to the R3. I have driven them with a Marantz PM8005 very well for years in a large room. I auditioned the amp switching between the R300s and the LS50s and went with the former due to better bottom end. The new version of the amp is the PM8006 which is still available from some dealers and used for $900-1500. It outputs 75 -100 RMS and good current. I have also used it to drive Ohm Walsh 2s, JBL 110s and Spendor LS3/5s. It offers both tone conttrols for treble, mids and bass or a direct preamp tone bypass, is made in Japan and has a 3 year warranty and is a CLass AB amp. You can separate the pre from the amp and upgrade your power amp down the line if you want and also use in a HT system. It is all analog. It delivers above its price point. Lots of review out there on it.