Klipsch Heresy 1 Compatibility question with Class D Amp

A contrasting opinion here.  IME with the Heresy I, solid state amps were just not that much fun.  They are hyper-efficient and move a lot of air.  I tried several solid state set-ups from Sansui, Akai, Tandberg, B&O, Carver, Crown and others.  Was never satisfied; the sound was just harsh and fatiguing to my ears.  Too efficient for them, I believe.  Maybe just too much IMD?  Could be - that was a concern back then.

Heard them several times at dealers and friends places with Dynaco, McIntosh, Conrad Johnson, Fisher and other tube gear.  They just seemed to come alive.  Class D wasn't around at the time, so can't speak to it.  I did audition a Class D (not sure of the brand) with some Martin Logan Montis a while ago.  Same sort of harsh sound.  Brash is the buzzword that floats up from the past that seems to fit.

Compatibility is a different issue.  The amps will drive the speakers, no problem:  Fairly stable impedance across the frequency range.  You do want to be careful how hard you push them though.  Heresy was only designed for 100 watts or so and the T35 style tweeters have voice coils that are easily toasted with too much juice or distortion.  As a general rule of thumb, your ears will cry "uncle" before you hit that point, but be aware.

Give the rig an audition and tell us your impressions.  What we think isn't what you'll hear, and that's all that matters.  Good luck & happy listening!

 

Dampen the mid horns of the Heresys. I speak about it a lot on other threads. It will remove some of the edge and smooth things out. But, smaller and simpler amps sound best ( less output transistors, class A, or tubes ).Enjoy ! MrD.

Thank you everyone for your input.
This Class D amp is in between tube and solid state sound.
I enjoy listening to jazz quartets, horns and piano.
My pre amp is audio research LS7 and the volume is about 9 oclock.
they sound very nice....they have detail and presence. I was concerned if these amps at 500 watts into 8 ohms would be a problem.
They don't sound that harsh. They have control and stable sound. the base is tight and quick.

If you love it what could be wrong !!!!enjoy the music

Hello rocky1313,

      The Klipsch Heresy original 1s were the first speakers I bought new, unfinished in birch to save some money, around 1980 when I was in college.  I had a turntable and a 40 watt/ch Yamaha receiver.  That system sounded good to me at the time but it would play much (and I do mean tons) louder than I'd ever want to listen;even drunk and getting into the music on a weekend. 
      I think 40 watts is overkill and would also suggest a flea powered tube set amp or some other low powered tube amp may be the best match. 
       However, I think you liking the sound with the Wyred 4 Sound class D amps is the most important thing.  I agree with others that cautioned about turning the volume too high with your 500 watt amps capable of doing some damage. 
      The good news is that it's usually not an amp's volume but its clipping and resulting distortion that will fry a speaker.  Good class D amps have very low distortion levels and often clipping sensing circuits that auto shut the amp down when clipping.
     I also now use high powered class D monos (1,200 watts/ch but on inefficient 4 ohm Magnepan panels) and would expect your amps to sound good on even highly efficient Heresys.  Good class D amps are known for extremely low distortion, dead quiet background noise levels and excellent bass response. 
     You'll always be able to tell when someone hasn't listened to any good, recent model class D amps when they describe them as bright, brash, harsh or fatiguing. 
     As many have long known, and you're just discovering,  the newer good class D amps also typically have very smooth but still very detailed and dynamic mid-range/treble responses without any traces of brightness or brashness.
     I'm glad you're enjoying the sound of your combo class D and Heresy system but I'd still suggest trying out a few tube amps just to confirm which you like best.

Timi