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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
yyzsantabarbara
4,808 posts
 
@georgehifi The Benchmark AHB2 is not an integrated. It is an amp only.  I use it in my office.

@audiotroy Is the 14 x 10 room adequate for the KEF Ref 1? The room seems a little small to me.
keoliphant OP
86 posts
 
@georgehifi thanks for the additional suggestions... The load plotting analysis is above my pay grade! Do you know if the Gamut runs cool? That's paramount for this office setup. 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
keoliphant OP28 posts06-28-2018 1:20am@georgehifi thanks for the additional suggestions... The load plotting analysis is above my pay grade! Do you know if the Gamut runs cool? That’s paramount for this office setup.

To make sure ask the retailer to have it switch on,, at idle (no music) for an hour before you get there, and feel it. In a small office this should be around the temperature in will be running at.

Looking at the size and density of the heatsinks, should be warm at idle, or low to medium levels, hotter if it’s loud for a period of time.
It say in the review it’s total bias is 14w class-A, 7w per channel this should be warm to the touch. In the bench test when it was run for 1hr with continuous sine wave (RMS) at 1/3 power it got hot, but any linear amp will do this.

Cheers George
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,780 posts
 
Georgehifi I dont know what you look for you certaintly don't listen to these products.

We tested the Bel Canto Ref 600M amplfiers on a number of speakers when our neighbor Clement Perry of Stereotimes was reviewing these amps. The Ref 600 sounded like an Ice based digital amplifier, they were impressive with tight bass and great dyanmics, they sounded thin in the midrange and were not involving, a set of the Nuforce Ref 9SE V3 sounded way better to our ears.

We were a Luxman dealer and the Luxman stuff sounded excellent we were selling the Unison Research Unico 50 a $5k tube/solid state hybrid which tended to sound even warmer and more musical on most of our loudspeakers.

In fact you can see in our showroom tour all the integrated amplifiers we had on display at the time which included Hegel, Luxman, Coda, Norma, Naim, Devialet, Electrocompaniet, and a few others, they all sounded different on the same loudspeakers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NPIn3pEmI4

We show the Ref Ones in a 18 by 14 foot room and they sound fantastic.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Georgehifi I dont know what you look for you certaintly don't listen to these products.
You assume a lot there sunshine, and the  Bel-Canto Ref 600M sound nothing like Icepower amps, they are one of the finest Class-D's I "have" ever heard, and they nail the Nuforce Ref 9SE V3 which I've also had for a couple of months.
  I could almost live with the Belcanto 600M's, saying that I much prefer linear amps.

Cheers George
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