If, as I suspect, the KEF's are a low-impedance design, an amp particularly good at driving low-impedance speakers is the Music Reference RM200 Mk.2. Read the Stereophile review of it to see why. It is included in the Class A/Tube category in the Recommended Components list in the October issue of the mag.
Tube amp for KEF Reference 3s
Hi Everyone,
Long time Audiogoner but this is my first post here. I am looking for some suggestions regarding amplification for my KEF Reference 3s. Currently I have a Modwright KWI 200 with built-in DAC which I like a lot, but wonder if the KEFs would benefit from a high-quality tube amp. I would like to go for a high-end amp like a VAC or Air Tight but would prefer "testing the waters" first by trying a tube amp in my system. I primarily listen to Tidal streamed through a Audalic Aries into the Modwright and analog through a VPI Traveler/Musical Surroundings Nova II. I have a small listing area (my office) which is approximately 12 x 16 and I have some GIK acoustic panels in the corners and along my back wall. If anyone has suggestions as to a "low-priced" tube amp that might give the KEFs a somewhat warmer sound I'd be willing to purchase used and then move up the chain to a higher-end amp if things work out. Thanks in advance for your advice.
Long time Audiogoner but this is my first post here. I am looking for some suggestions regarding amplification for my KEF Reference 3s. Currently I have a Modwright KWI 200 with built-in DAC which I like a lot, but wonder if the KEFs would benefit from a high-quality tube amp. I would like to go for a high-end amp like a VAC or Air Tight but would prefer "testing the waters" first by trying a tube amp in my system. I primarily listen to Tidal streamed through a Audalic Aries into the Modwright and analog through a VPI Traveler/Musical Surroundings Nova II. I have a small listing area (my office) which is approximately 12 x 16 and I have some GIK acoustic panels in the corners and along my back wall. If anyone has suggestions as to a "low-priced" tube amp that might give the KEFs a somewhat warmer sound I'd be willing to purchase used and then move up the chain to a higher-end amp if things work out. Thanks in advance for your advice.
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- 39 posts total
If the objective is to just get close enough to experiment, I'd guess ANY tube amp with a >50 wpc power handling should suffice. My very limited experience with the tube amplification (or preamplification) has shown me that its difficult to find a "common thread" across all tube equipment with the exception of power handling and some midrange bulge, both of which can vary with tube choices even within a given amplifier. |
Hello
grnmtnboy77, I own a pair of Kef Reference 3s as well. I believe you made a good purchase!. I run a Conrad Johnson tube amp and tube pre amp. The amp is a LP66S and the pre amp is a Premier 17LS. This combination has worked well for many years. Unlike the C-J Premier 11A amp, which is shy of bass slam, (I owned one for many years as well) the LP66S provides a very realistic sound stage. You would not be disappointed if you went this route, plus you can find excellent bargains right here on Audiogon for good quality, lightly used, C-J equipment. Happy New Year! |
- 39 posts total