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PS Audio BHK 300 mono VS Modwright KWA 150SE mono VS D'agostino Classic stereo

What would you consider the best option of these 3 to build a reference level system.
Any experience with these amps would be appreciated.
I'm also considering higher end gear but if budget does not allow i will stick to these 3 options.

Thieliste
thieliste
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
"dlcockrum i’m surprised you’re able to drive the most difficult Thiel ever with only 100 watts even if it’s doubling."

Quote from ’Blazing Saddles’: "It’s twue! It’s twue!" lol

Over 25 years with several different amplifiers driving the 5i’s (including one of the highest-wattage monsters of all time), I find that it is much more about current delivery and superior amplifier design (minimizing anomalies at the frequency extremes, the ability to reproduce correct timbre and deliver micro and macro dynamics optimally) than rated power (to a limit).

Enjoy this golden time in your audio journey, thieliste.

Dave
unsound
7,400 posts
 
Thiel recommended between 100-400 Watts for the CS5's. In my conversations with JIm Thiel he told me his all power recommendations were based upon quality ss amps that could double down, and that should one choose to use tubes, etc., they should increase the power  accordingly.

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

Hi Dave,

Your experience with the Classe compared to your higher power Krell is not very surprising to me. In theory the massive Krell should have outperformed the Classe amplifier with the Thiels, it did not. There’s theory and then there’s actual real life experience. As you note, listening trumps specifications. The "quality" of the amplifier’s watts do matter. I’ve seen this type of outcome numerous times in a variety of systems. I don’t dismiss the value of measurements, but I believe they are over emphasized in some cases and they can’t account for sound quality. An amp can be capable of delivering high  power/current to "drive" a speaker and yet some less than great doing so.

Charles

unsound
7,400 posts
 
 charles1dad, interesting that you referenced dlcockrum yet were mute with regard to teeshot's more relative post.
 The extra power beyond the minimum recommended would only be needed to provide higher dB output for a given room size. In that sensitivity decreases (and increases)  proportionally with impedance in speakers such as the Thiels it's prudent to be mindful of actual power output in the given circumstances.
  In the case of a speaker with extended bass output such as the CS5's it might be fair to assume that that room size wouldn't be all that small to begin with.
  If everything is performing as it should be, and depending on the desired volume output in the given room size, other than increased dynamic range, decreased potential for distortion and clipping and with that, less likelihood of speaker driver damage;  there is no reason to expect the higher power amp to necessarily sound better, or visa versa .
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Friends Charles and unsound,

I am missing the point of contention here. Sorry. I use and prefer a SS high-current amplifier than doubles down with the 5is (unsound) yet find that considerations outside the realm of measured/measurable specs are ultimately determinant of the level of my listening satisfaction (Charles). Are these things mutually exclusive or even remotely at odds with each other?

I mean absolutely no disrespect to either of you as I hope you know.

Best to you both as always,
Dave  
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