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Amp For Kinergetics SW800 s

I am in the process of adding SW800's along-side my CLS's and need to find an amp(s) to drive them. I'm driving the CLS's with a Mesa Baron (a wonderful amp for these speakers; better in fact than several more costly pieces I auditioned in-system).

The only extra amp I have on hand in an old (original generation, circa early/mid 80's) Adcom GFA 555. The amp that just won't die. Now I'm kicking myself for selling the DNA1 Deluxe when I bought the Baron, but I hadn't found the SW800's at that point.

For the long haul, what does your collective experience and wisdom suggest as a long term amp for the SW800's? They have a nominal 1.6 ohm load. This isn't a "money is no object" situation as there are several other things I'd like to do within my system. On the other hand, reviewers while praising the "mini-Statement" set up to high heaven also stated that these subs are extremely revealing of amp quality.

Some that crossed my mind... OCM 500, B&K Sonata M200's, Counterpoint SA220. Any ideas? Also, should I stick with solid state for the subs?

Thanks in advance.
jim
gasman
42 posts
 
There is a review of the SW800 system in "The Absolute Sound"
Issue #94 (Spring '94), with a very comprehensive look at their use with the CLS speakers. They recommended a solid state amp (they used Bryston 7B monoblocks), but other Bryston amps would be a good match; the more wattage the better.
garygutbrod
9 posts
 
I am currently using a pair of NAD 214's bridged mono with the Kinergetics SW800 mini's and ML Aerius. They work great and run very cool.
jim OP
418 posts
 
Thank for reminding me, Gasman. I happen to have that TAS issue but haven't referred to it for these speakers. I had been primarily relying on Jack English's 1992 review which gave very specific informantion regarding set up.

Gary, are you using the same five, ten inch drivers per enclosure set up as I have? How do you have them set up with your Aerius' in terms of positioning and lsitening position?

Thanks for the reponses.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
it's hard for me to imagine the gfa555 woodn't be adequate w/these subs. have ya tried it yet? as these tings can be bought/sold all day long for ~$400, why not get another one & run 'em as bridged-mono amps? this set-up works great om my vmps larger subs... and, yule save some green for those alfas! ;~)

regards, doug

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