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Upgrade to sound quality of Dynaudio Heritage speakers

Folks,

My current system consists of Ideon EOS DAC/Streamer (I haven't pulled the trigger on their Time re-clocking unit yet), Dynaudio Heritage Special stand speakers, two REL S 510 subs driven with a PASS Labs INT 25.  I'm thinking I can get more out of the Heritages if I upgrade the amp and was looking for some input for a piece of nice gear in the $10K-$12K range that would upgrade the overall sound of my system.  I like to listen to rock/jazz, etc.  My listening room is 15' x 27'. Any thoughts or suggestions?

jmascian
bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
245 posts
 

@jmascian - As noted by @loomisjohnson - The Dynaudio Heritage Speakers are not efficient speakers. I also own a pair of Dynaudio Heritage speakers and know, from experience, they need a more powerful amp to open up. 

I initially used a Luxman 590axii which was recommended by the dealer. That turned out to be awful advice. The Luxman 590axii is a class A biased amp that is advertised as 30 watts in class A (8 ohms). Apparently, the Luxman has been measured to go to up to 90 watts in AB (8 ohms). That said, the Dynaudio Heritage Speakers sounded anemic, and overly focused on the treble, when I drove them with the Luxman. Bass was largely missing. 

Let me cut to the chase: You need a dramatically more powerful amp to open up those speakers! 

I ultimately purchased a used Gryphon Diablo 120 which is 120 watts in 8 ohms and 240 watts at 4 ohms. It's a high current amp. When I hooked up the Dynaudio Heritage speakers it was an entirely new experience. The Gryphon opened up the Dynaudios and the speakers immediately started singing with an utterly balanced delivery. Bass came alive. Treble was clear and balanced. The synergy is fantastic and will make you appreciate your Heritage speakers. I was thinking of selling them before I paired them with the Gryphon. 

You should be able to pick up a used Gryphon 120 for under $7.5 (without internal dac) or at around $8K with the Gryphon dac. My version came without the Gryphon dac. 
 

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
245 posts
 

@jmascian @soix - As Soix mentioned, the Gryphon 300 would be an excellent pairing with the Dynaudios. That amp would bring the Heritage speakers to life. Big Time. 

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,213 posts
 

The Benchmark AHB2 would manhandle the dyns. Only question is would you like the combination. Much less expensive ($3500) than a lot of other amps. Hell, you could get two and run them as monos.

E.g.

I’ve had the AHB2 for the past few weeks, and absolutely love it! Paired it with Hyperion HPS-738s and Dynaudio EX34s. Dead quiet, wonderful bass control.

I’ve installed some Neutrik NL2FX connectors on my speaker cables and not sure how much of a difference it makes in comparison to the regular binding posts, but I sure love having the option. It’s a solid connection for sure.

So much impact & clarity for such a small amp. Thinking about picking up another one in the near future to run as monos.
https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/1846179

fhwyd
1 posts
 

Pass Labs X series amps?

jsalerno277
300 posts
 

@jmascian and @woots +1 on the Burmester 032.   I use it paired with Vivid Giya G 3 speakers.  Sophisticated, clear, and true timbre.  Solid state speed, clarity and dynamics with tube like staging, imaging, and treble reproduction.   Used is in the budget.  
If you go for speakers and can get past their aesthetic, there is no better IMHO than the Vivid Giya G3.  Read pro reviews.  All accurately describe their fast, dynamic, dimensional and accurate sound with a liquid and clear treble and midrange, and deep, powerful, detailed and tuneful bass.  

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