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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
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,780 posts
 
We have mixed feelings on the Hegel, Keoliphant finds the treble a bit thin so we are wondering what is causing that? We had a demo earlier in the year of the Hegel 190 and the Nuprime STA 9 combo with the Nad C658 dac/preamp far outperformed it for the same money. 

The new 390 is supposed to sound great.

As per Darko's video, on the Hegel/Ref 1  although we often respect his opinions he liked the Kii speakers and we really don't like them at all so it is hard to tell if this combo sounds great or just better than the Kii or are there other similarly priced amplifiers that will offer the great bass of the Hegel amplifier with other qualities.

When we had the older Hegel series  we found that the Luxman and the Unision Research or Coda CS ib intergrated amplifiers were often chossen over the Hegel in our shootouts at the shop. 

At one time we had the Hegel, Luxman, Coda, Unison Reseach, Naim and Devialet integrated amplifiers all in the 

The other point is that the OP made is that Kef often shows with Hegel, that may be more of a corporate decision than the sonic one, many times these pairing occurs because of a corporate relationship rather than through rigorous testing of lots of other components.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ




keoliphant OP
86 posts
 
@audiotroy 
The thin treble comment was when the unit had about a dozen hours on it. The H590 is fully broken in and glorious. Great combo with Kef Reference 1’s. Tara Labs The Muse Speaker Cables, Wireworld power cable and USB from MacBook Pro.
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,780 posts
 

Good to hear that, Keoliphant you should consider upgrading to a real server and a higher end usb cable and your system will sound way better.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
yyzsantabarbara
4,808 posts
 
@keoliphant  Thanks for the update on the 590. Today, I was in contact with KEF regarding speaker choice (for my downstairs) and I was thinking the 590 would be perfect if the speakers were to fit. Especially for other members of the family to use with it's ease of use. I am happy to hear that is also sounds great. 

BTW - for you Ethernet streaming folks on this thread. Have you guys heard about the EtherREGEN,  https://uptoneaudio.com/products/etherregen

It would be an interesting and cheap way to cleanup Ethernet noise. I don't think the Hegel 590 or 390 is ROON READY yet, but when they are, Ethernet streaming seems like something to try.
yyzsantabarbara
4,808 posts
 
I just saw the post by the Audio Doctor, I was thinking the same thing on the USB from the MAC directly to the Hegel. I know Hegel has done some things to make that type of connection sound better than average. If I were to use USB I would go either the way Audio Doctor suggested or my preferred way (since I like my computer(s) in my office), a Sonore xxxxRendu.
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