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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
4,885 posts
 
@keoliphant  I imagine you have a docking station or a network switch that can send packets to your logged on laptop. If you have a Network switch then the Sonore microRendu is a digital-2-digital converter. In this case converting the Ethernet-2-USB. This is the older technology from Sonore but likely perfect for you and what I use in my office, until I upgrade to something more complicated.

This will be miles ahead of your direct USB connection. I know because I had the same years ago before I went to the Rendu. A huge improvement in sound quality. I imagine that Sonore will have some Black Friday sales on the Rendu's.

https://www.sonore.us/index.html

Let me take a look at my setup (localhost web site on the Rendu) to see how you can do this. I need to take my kid to school first.

BTW - If you use ROON then the Rendu is ROON READY.
yyzsantabarbara
4,885 posts
 
I logged into my Rendu and could not see a user name and pwd settings anywhere. So I imagine the Rendu expects to be found on the network.

I would contact either of the 2 listed below (both companies work together) and describe your setup and ask if a Rendu can work in your situation?

https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/
or
https://www.sonore.us/index.html (also contains FIND MY UNIT)

If you click on the second link you will see a menu option called FIND MY UNIT. When I click that link, the web site located my Rendu on my private network. The Rendu guys wrote the SonicOrbitor operating system that runs on the Rendu’s so they have hooks into everything, including possibly passing a file with user name and pwd that can be read from some software hook on the SonicOrbitor operating system. This software is amazingly reliable and robust. I just love this companies products, especially for my office environment.

You could also pose a question on the Sonore sponsored Computer Audiophile forum,

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/forum/24-sonore-sponsored/

keoliphant OP
86 posts
 
@yyzsantabarbara 
As always, great information and advice. Thank you!

@audiotroy 
Thank you for the suggestion.
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