Amp recommendations for KEF R7 speakers

definitely a smoother aounding amp like McIntosh sounds best with the KEF R series.  They can sound metallic to some with the wrong amp.  

What sound characteristics are you looking for, what’s the rest of the equipment in your system, what’s your budget, and are you looking for new or used?  Are you looking for an integrated amp or separates?  The more info you provide the better and more targeted the recommendations here will be. 

@soix 

+1

There is a place to put photos of your system under Virtual systems. It would be really helpful so we can be helpful.

A good friend is running a Mac solid state integrated with his Meta 50 speakers and they sound fantastic.  I had heard the Meta 50’s elsewhere with a non-Mac integrated and I found them a bit shrill.  Definitely, the McIntosh amp is a good match.  

I am powering my KEF Reference 1 Metas with a pair of McIntosh MC 611s and a C2700. They sound outstanding. The KEF tweeters can sound a little brittle with the wrong amplification, as others have stated. I don't think you can go wrong with McIntosh for them. Pass Labs might also be a great match. 

Thank you for the input everyone.  Soix, I will be using a Marantz TT15S1 turntable and a SACD 30N player. Im looking to get as much bass as possible because I don’t want to use a separate sub in the room. I was thinking of the MC830 amps.

Sounds like you need a preamp too unless I’m missing something. Not a Mac fan here — I heard the Blade 2 with some top Mac electronics and it was rolled off in the highs, which is not characteristic of Blades at all. You might consider a good integrated from the likes of Vitus or Gryphon that are higher level IMHO and will help flesh out the bottom end while never sounding overly bright with your KEFs. Here are a couple good examples…

https://tmraudio.com/components/integrated-amplifiers/vitus-audio-ri-100-stereo-integrated-amplifier-ri100-mm-phono/

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa55a5-gryphon-diablo-300-with-dac-option-solid-state

Best of luck.

Hey, 

You have to audition the amp with the R7s regardless of the brand. That being said. I would try any of the Hegel line. In fact they have a new integrated amp coming out called the 600. I am sure it is awesome. That being said, the old Hegel 590 should be a really good deal. Any of the Hegel line can push those speakers due to the damping factor. Look at past audio show videos. Kef and Hegel are paired together a lot. Just an option. I hope this helped. 

The ad is expired but you should be able to contact the seller.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650001546-musical-fidelity-m5si-integrated-amplifier-black-faceplate-nib/

From my experience with my KEF R5s, they greatly benefit from amps that provide good current and power. I matched mine with an Arcam PA240 initially, then Parasound JC5. Both were good but the JC5 was best of the two.

KEF = analytical, kinda dry, bright, etc (made by technically brilliant nerdydoofy engineers who never got laid in life and don’t understand music)

Pair it with Luxman, Pass or some other Class A stuff that makes everything liquid and breathes life into an analytical/music killer like KEF.