@rdschicago Thanks for the suggestion. I like the fact that it's balanced and that VTV offers a 30-day audition. I'm not intimidated by it being Class D - because my current amp (AGD Audion) is Ganfet Class D. I think that the AGD is an amazing amp. So my question is - is there something special about the Purifi that would beat the AGD ganfet? Definitely the Audion is less power (170W, 4ohm (>30A max current capability)). Thoughts?
Best Amplifier for LS3/5a
Happy New Year All! Seeking advice from LS3/5 enthusiasts! I have tried a number of these speakers (Graham, Harbeth, Falcon and KEF LS50's (if that counts)) - and to me the Falcon Gold Badge really stood out. It's been a while now since I did the comparison, so I don't remember all the details - but I felt that the Falcons were the most musical, engaging, open and did NOT have bloated bass (important for a small room)! I've held on to a pair for my bedroom system, but I don't think that my current bedroom amps (AGD Audions, which I love with my current Raidho XT-1 monitors) are the best match for them. I get a bit too much sizzle on the top and some associated sibilance.
Herb Reichert (Stereophile) seems to love these speakers, and his review notes that the Parasound A21+ was too dry with these speakers, but he really liked the Line Magnetic LM-518 IA. That's not going to work for me! In this bedroom system I keep the amp(s) under the bed and generally leave them on 24/7. If possible, I prefer a balanced design, as I want NO HUM in my bedroom and my DAC/Pre (Weiss 501) has both balanced and RCA outs.
Based on the intended setup, I think balanced solid state would make the most sense. Amp selection might be influenced by the speakers having 15 ohm input impedance.
Any suggestions? Thanks, Peter
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I can recommend the Schiit Tyr monoblocks, which pair great with my Harbeth P3ESR-XDs. The LS3/5a is a sealed box mini-monitor that is inherently reticent, but the Tyrs bring out a full, dynamic sound. I'm also struck by how good they sound at low volume, a testament to how well they control the woofers. The Tyr is on Stereophile's Class A recommendation list. |
Ran vintage LS 3/5A 15 ohm and currently run Weiss 501. I've run the Rogers LS 3/5A with Sugden A21SE to great affect. They require as you know lots of quality high current, not wattage. Class A is magical with these. Sugden is not balanced but I do not believe that would improve over unbalanced in this application. Best success. |
@celtic66 thank you for your input. I noticed that several of the Sudgen amplifiers do have balanced inputs… But seem maybe either too big for my bedroom or not powerful enough for the speakers in question. The reason I gravitate towards balanced connections is because I want absolutely no noise in the bedroom, so I figure I have a better chance of not getting hum with balanced over single ended. Any thoughts about the sapphire model, and whether 40 W of class a would be enough to run these speakers? Thanks! |
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