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Amplifier ideas with KEF Reference 1

I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on a pair of KEF reference 1's for my 10'x14' office (currently LS50's). Current electronic setup is all PS Audio (bhk monoblocks, bhk  signature preamp, directstream dac). Incredible sound, zero complaints other than the fact that the monoblocks run hot. I'm getting cooked so the whole ps audio setup is listed for sale.... Although it just may end up at home for a future 2 channel setup!

So with that background, please share ideas for a high quality system that's cool running. Budget up to $15k. I'll add that I favor the warmer side of the spectrum. I'm a bass player and like tight, fast, deep bass..... Glorious mids, and smooth highs. Current ideas to match with the  KEF Reference 1's include:

1. Bel Canto Black EX (integrated or the separates). My contact says the separates are far superior. I'm concerned this setup is too analytical. Anyone heard them?

2. Bel Canto Ref600m. Keep my directstream dac and bhk signature preamp. Probably more than good for an office!?!

3. Hegel 360 or the new forthcoming monster integrated (590)? They're not too pretty to look at but it seems like I've read about hegel and kef being matched at several audio shows. Is there a hegel house sound particularly with the KEF’s?

4. McIntosh mc611. I'll admit it.... I'm a sucker for the looks of McIntosh plus their easy listenability. I've never had ear fatigue listening to a McIntosh setup. I'd be keeping the directstream dac and bhk signature preamp for this combo. Afraid that is be giving up a lot going from the bhk monoblocks to the McIntosh with similar heat. 

5. Luxman L509x. Brand new. Supposed to be very musical and runs cool. I'd probably run with the directstream dac. 

Your thoughts / ideas are appreciated.... Especially if you've heard the recommendation with KEF reference 1's. It's all about system synergy, right!?!

thank you,
ken


keoliphant
everest_audio
285 posts
 
Agreed that the T+A PA 2500 R is a great sounding piece, but I personally feel the Bel Canto Black EX integrated sounds a chunk better for sure. The Bel Canto has more body and fullness with the same level of resolution and drives the bottom end with more authority, but is still very well controlled. Plus, the Bel Canto has the benefit of a superb built in DAC with PCM, DSD and MQA capability. A lot of the Bel Canto quality comes from their superb DAC in this piece and Ethernet input. Not knocking the T+A at all, it is an excellent piece, but I just find the Bel Canto exceptional. Before moving to the Bel Canto Black EX in my system with the ATC SCM40, I was using the T+A PA 2500 R with the T+A DAC 8 DSD and the GutWire UNO-S XLR interconnect between them which is an incredible cable. The T+A integrated with a very good DAC and cable will definitely cost more than the Bel Canto integrated. Of course, this can be taken with a grain of salt, as should be the opinion of anyone, but this comes from living long-term with both in the same system. With that said, I haven't heard the Bel Canto Black EX with the KEF Reference 1, but I can't imagine the combo not working well. 

Note: as much as I'm a Bel Canto dealer, I have nothing to gain by mentioning this as keoliphant has his own Bel Canto dealer. Just lending my 2 cents as someone with extensive experience with both products.
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,804 posts
 
Everest I don't think you have your facts straight, when does a $25k Bel Canto integrated amp compare to a $11k T+A  one, if you factor in the cost of a Dac 8 which is $15k for the combo not $25k! Even if you figure $3k for a good interconnect I get $18k not $25k!

The T+A PA 3000 at $18k would be the comparable piece, also with the DAC 8DSD for $4k you would still be a $22k, want to do that commparison vs the Bel Canto?

If you are comparing products a $25k one should be discussed with a similar set of other components at a somewhat similar price point.

Then we will have a fair horse race. 

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ




everest_audio
285 posts
 
The Bel Canto ACI600 is $25K USD, but I'm talking about the less expensive new Bel Canto Black EX at $14,990 USD. Definitely a fair comparison. 
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,804 posts
 
Everest could it also be sour grapes since T plus A dropped your dealership?

And with a Dac 8 how did u feed it? The Dac 8 running Quad rate Dsd sounds unbelievable running 16/44 it is good not magical.

Is the Bel Canto better maybe it is and maybe it isnt we havent heard a digital amp that sounds better then a pure class a/b amp and until we test it we wont pass judgement. 

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ

everest_audio
285 posts
 
audiotroy, no sour grapes at all. Carrying T+A as a brand didn't work out for either of us and that's fine. And, to be clear, I'm not knocking T+A at all. I highly respect T+A as a quality brand. In fact, on another forum in the past few days, when someone was looking to add a particular T+A piece to his system, I highly encouraged it as I felt that particular piece was absolutely spectacular for the money. I just call it the way I see it. Someone else may disagree and I'm okay with that. The DAC 8 was fed the exact same files via the Melco N1A/2 as the Bel Canto Black EX. Some redbook, some high-res PCM, some DSD, but not comparing MQA as the DAC 8 DSD doesn't have MQA decoding. So, no, I wasn't running something like DSD512 via HQplayer. But, still, I'm comparing $15K USD gear versus $15K gear and you don't need a high quality XLR cable with the Bel Canto or an extra power cable.

As a side note, the Bel Canto Black series is in a whole other league compared to what you may know about Bel Canto. It is definitely playing in the big leagues. You should hear it sometime.
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