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.
First of all, thanks to everyone who took the time to read and reply to my concerns. As I stated earlier, I came across a no cash exchange where I traded a nonfunctioning Yamaha CR2020 receiver and a couple of other pieces for a Yamaha M80 power amp. To be clear, I'm not stuck on Yamaha but after looking up the specs I thought it was too good to pass up.
My next goal was to find a pre-amp to run things, I had just acquired my Bluesound node as a streamer and it is near to being enough of a pre but lacked phono and I kind of wanted a tuner. Many suggestions received but most were beyond my self-imposed budget. I settled on the Emotiva PT2. I know many won't approve but. for convenience, it checks all the boxes and then some. Tuner, DAC, MC/MM phono, bass management and a remote. The Emotiva is scheduled to arrive this afternoon .My current philosophy with audio is to not let perfection get in the way of good enough. I have little doubt that I will end up with a system that satisfies me. Most importantly, I will leave behind a nice bundle of stocks, bonds and cash (to my much younger wife) as opposed to a high dollar stereo system about which she cares very little :)
The Outlaw RR2160MKII stereo receiver is only $1k - it got a favorable review in Stereophile when paired with the LS50. Includes a DAC, phono stage, radio.
I have the KEF LS50 Meta speakers. I did a trial with a GaNfet class D amp (and a Schiit Freya+ preamp) and they really came to life. Oddly, none of my other speakers reacted that way. I think you can get away with some cheaper GaNfet amps or integrated or with a preamp and really get a great sound.
Aah, just noticed that my post is a bit too late. Hope your set up works really well for you.
No longer in hunt for amp or integrated. Now ISO of a preamp to complement my Bluesound node feeding my M80 power amp. Need one with phono input preferably,
I have been a long-time owner of Emotiva mono-block amplifiers. I have been pleased with the sound of my system. Emotiva is best known for its amplifiers. A bonus of being US assembled.
That being said, for a few years now I have seriously pondered a change to the Schiit. Though not a Schiit owner, I too would consider a nice new pile of Schiit for your system. :) Also, a bonus of being US assembled.
Hooked up the M80 this afternoon and running it off my Bluesound Node. All I can say right now is WOW! Dialed up Amazon Ultra HD and played "My Father's house" by Emmylou Harris and "Ballad of the Runaway horse" by Jennifer Warnes. The depth and power of the bass (without subwoofer) and the clarity of the mids was amazing. This was at normal listening levels. I'm mightally impressed so far with my bargain amp.
@llg98ljk May I suggest using your Bluesound Node as a preamp for a week or so and get a feel for what the M80 sounds like in your space. My guess would be it has the classic warm Yamaha sound. In any case you'll have a better idea of where you want to go regarding a cooler/warmer pre amp. You are in a good position to test the amp as you have a somewhat transparent pre amp with the Node. All that having been said a well cared for Yamaha C-50 preamp (approx $500) would be the match for that amp price also factored in; you like the Yamaha sound may as well keep it all in the family the Yamaha C-50 won't throw you any curves. Good luck!
So, I made my trip to divest myself of old stuff from the basement. Good or bad, here is the outcome. I traded my non-working Yamaha CR2020 receiver and a pair of KEF Q300 speakers plus a few box store grade items for a Yamaha M80 amp.
This thing is a monster, Rated for 8-6-4 ohm speakers and safe down to 2 ohms. Rated at 250 into 8 and 330 into 4 and far exceeds it's rated output. So now I'm left with a search for a preamp. Any suggestions appreciated.
I have owned various Kef speakers, currently R900's, and they need a good amp. I use a Belles 150v2 or a Bryston 2.5 sst2. Both sound excellent with about 130 watts @ 8 ohms. You can get a used one for $1000-$1300 or so. Much better than a receiver! I would also get a decent tube preamp. Tubes last quite a while and you will only have a few. You will not be disappointed!
I had the KRELL K-300i integratged amp on my KEF LS50 Meta's and it was great. A shame I had to sell that unit. I could use it again today on the KEFs.
I am now using a CODA #16 on my LS50 Meta. I will soon upgrade that to Reference 1 Meta. The amp will stay. The CODA #8 is cheaper and also nice with the KEF LS50 but not at the level of the #16.
The PeachTree Nove 150 with the LS50 (not Meta) was just OK. Sold it.
I also had Benchmark AHB2 on the LS50 and liked it but that is a different sound from the KRELL and CODA. It is also a bit less powerful compared to the other 2. I loved the AHB2 sound but sold it because I got a PeachTree GAN1 (modded) that I thought was better than the AHB2 in some ways. I cannot recommend the GAN1 for the OP because it is too complicated to use (only 1 SPDIF digital input, no analog).
I may give my LS50 Meta to my cousin's kid for university. If she wants the LS50 Meta I would also give this with it.
Like the looks and specs of the Buckeyamp. Some unease due to short time in market. Looks like a one man show. Interestingly, he’s also a cable denier.
Re: Marantz 30. Very much on my radar now. Stereophile class A, mm/mc phono input (variable). Strongly exceeds power rating and MADE IN JAPAN!
Since you mentioned that class D may be in your future; and keeping in mind your budget then I would consider a Buckeye 2 channel Purifi amp for around $1K
Having owned a few KEF speakers you definitely want a smoother than average amplifier to provide complimentary sound, along with enough power at 4 ohms to avoid any thinning of the low end. A $ 2k budget is slightly challenging but this one will meet the goals and give you smooth performance for your Metas.
@stgjamesthere are quite a few random flaws with your post, perhaps you posted by mistake. The 300b tube, SET and variant amplifiers would be improper for the OP’s speakers. When he mentioned a desire for 150wpc into a 4 ohm load…that decidedly NOT a 300b amp. The 6L6 tube and variants aren’t triodes, maybe you meant to say pentodes.
Ok reality check...... First if it dose not have thermonic valves take it out of the listing room, save it for pool partying and such.
If true high fi is the goal get an amplifier based on the 300b in single end triode configuration.
If awesome sound but you have a little second harmonic distortion. Well get a push pull based on the 6l6 or a variant triode. Some models will have a switch to put them in pure triode mode and they will then perform nearly on par with the 300b set. Just with a considerable increase in power.
Bear in mind that the second harmonic distortion causes an illusion that makes the human brain think that the sound is bigger than it actually is.... or that you are magically experiencing the live performance.
I had great success pairing the Denon PMA-1600 with the prior R7’s. I’ve since upgraded to Kef Reference series, and many other components along my journey but also still have another system at home with the Denon PMA-A110 and Kef r700’s that’s a great match. Kef has great synergy with these particular Denon units.
Jay’s Iyagi on YouTube has posted some videos about these Denon units which is how I learned about them.
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.
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 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.
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 like the Parasound P6 / PS audio suggestion as I considered that for my own use.I went with the A 23+ because its no lightweight at 27 lbs but it is doable. I have not experienced the PS Audio Stellar but my understanding it is a "full bodied" class D amp. I had an oppurtunity to pick up a used Parasound A 21 for $950 locally but went with the A 23+ costing me more $$$. The days of moving something like the A 21 around are behind me ...I still have the Sonos Amp; wieghs about 6 lbs and performs like a champ I use it in my office now. My back tells me all class D amps are in my future ;)
OP, you mentioned your age. I too am getting up there and I have some physical limitations. I can’t be chucking around 50+ lb amps anymore. That’s why I recently went to class D monoblocks from PS Audio. Stellar M700. They are only about 13 lbs and sound fantastic. Great value on the used market. The Music Room has them all the time on their web site. Also, take a look at the Parasound P6. A pre-owned PS Audio Stellar Strata might be an option also.
I own the KEF R3's and I have it paired to a Parasound A 23+(160 wpc) and it is fantastic match.
A Parasound Hint 6 intergrated will deliver everything you are seeking power,presence and the ohm range is there 2-8 Ohms. and you are correct the R3's are rated at 8 ohms but can dip into the 3 ohm range. very few amps in your price range can do a good job in that department. I've tried several different amps Sonos Amp 125 wpc and a Buckeye Purifi 200 wpc with the R3's niether came close to the overall presentation of the Parasound, my system is in a large room about 600 Sq Ft and it fills the room effortlessly.When I paired the A 23+ with the R3's I knew I'd found what I was looking for.
Based on the budget you have you can buy a used Parasound Hint 6 for aprrox.$1,800 which has a very good phono stage all the features you want and the same 160 wpc amp as the A23+. Do a deep dive on the Parasound Hint 6, high quality at a sane price.
@OP, I second Mesch's recommendation for the Rogue Sphinx V3. To expand on his post, the phono stage is excellent and the amplifier is really very good value for money for its sound quality and power.
The R8 doesn’t require much maintenance. Its super easy to adjust bias, fun even, and will hold its bias for months on end. I’ve been getting bored waiting for the tubes to burn out or fail. I have an entire replacement set collecting dust. The power tubes can last 2500+ hours and the pre tubes 2x that or more. If that seems too intimidating go with the Yamaha, it’s a solid unit. I use a Yamaha for movies/TV and love it but not for music. Their integrated amps are probably different though. Honestly it’s hard to recommend SS integrated amps at this price point, most lack character. The really good ones I like tend to be class A and much pricier. My favorite below 2k outside of tubes is the Linn Classik but that’s way below your budget. It’s a bouncy, spunky performer with a dollop a sparkle up top and very smooth. Lots of character.
Schiit Vidar 2 amp ($799) and a Schiit Freya S preamp ($599). I used the older model Vidar with a Schiit Freya+ preamp for my KEF LS50 Metas. Sounded fantastic and is well within your budget. If you want an integrated amp, the Schiit Ragnarok is $1499. The other great option for a little more money is a Belles Aria Integrated. Happy shopping!
I'd say the Emotiva is the way to go, especially since it's under budget. If that was sold in a retail store it would be quite a bit more so you're getting a great amp at a reasonable price.
Those have all been on my radar. I've been obsessing and researching this for over a month now. The 1582 MK2 looks interesting. As far as NAD, I may be wrong here but I was bothered by the number of negative comments about their reliability and build quality. As far as Yamaha, despite my 44 year relationship with them, I'm not wedded to the idea of staying with them. Still wondering if anyone has experience or thoughts about the Emotiva route. For just over $1k I ca assemble a pre/power amp that checks all my boxes and more.
Hi, if I was looking in that budget class, i would look at Rotel… for instance a Rotel RB-1582 or a NAD C298. These companies have a lot of experience at bringing high end sound to a budget.
Budget is $2k. Not hard line but not willing to go much higher. Too many other things in life and considering I've been retired for 11 years so need to watch the cash outflow.
It seems like you like the Yamaha. Not sure how often those come up used. There are several good sounding amps at modest prices. Schiit, Parasound, several Class D amps, Rogue, and more. Emotive sound shrill.
Not really hung up on watts. The Yamaha A-s1200 is only rated at 90wps @ 8ohm.However, it has a 624 v/a toroidal transformer and will happily drive 4ohm loads, Solid build at around 48 lbs.
I've tossed around the idea of a tube amp. Most high-quality ones are far above my self imposed budget. in addition, I'm leery of tube amps because of maintenance and tube life. At this stage of my life, I favor set and forget. Thats one of the reasons I retired my Yamaha CR2020 to storage.
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