Suggestions on Integrated Amp./Seperates to Run my Klipschorns


Hello ~
I was wondering if anybody had any firsthand experience with Klipschorns (1976) and any of these Integrated Amps/Amps? Any feedback and/or caution would really be appreciated. I am putting together a 2 Channel system and have my speakers, now looking for the rest.
        1. Hegel H390
        2. Mac MA352 
        3. Primaluna Evo 400 
        4. Levinson #585 
        5. Benchmark AHB2/DAC3. 
My primary listening would be through a Music Streamer (Bluesound 2i or Lumen D2) and Tidal. I listen to all types of music so I need something that can hang. 
My room is 16 x 25 with 9 foot ceilings.
herdegen
You don't need a lot of amp for Klischorns. In fact, you don't want a lot of amp for these speakers. The tube types for SET amps that verdantaudio listed above will work great. I'll throw a few other suggestions at you:

- decware: some of the best sound I ever heard from a Khorn was using a 2W decware UFO amp.The best $995 you will ever spend on audio. If you don't think 2W is enough (it is) then buy two and use them as monoblocks. May not need a preamp for stereo, will need a preamp for monoblocks.

- Leben: either a new CS-300F or find a used CS-300. Integrated amps, approx. 12Wpc. Fantastic sound and build quality.

- Shindo: The little Apetite 6V6 integrated amp sounds very sweet and lovely. 12Wpc.

- McIntosh MC30: If you are going to run macs with Khorns these are the amps you want to use, IMO. Mono only (so you will need two) very vintage and a little pricey but a very lovely warm, wet "mac" sound.

- Atma Sphere S-30: The best sound I have ever heard from a Khorn was paired with this exceptional OTL integrated amp. 30Wpc, which is probably more than you really need but it's great from the first watt. OTL amps sound different than amps with output transformers. Ask Mr. Atma Sphere himself - he's always monitoring Audiogon.

Last note: honestly, almost any tube amp will work with Klipschorns, some better than others. Tube type affects sound and is a matter of choice. I enjoy the sound of EL84 tubes with Klipsch Heritage speakers because it's a little more punchy. But this can bite you at very loud listening levels.

Conversely, some guys love big triodes (300B, 2A3, 45) with their Khorns. This can sound very good but, generalizing,  I find the sound a bit on the soft and gentle side. Again, IMO.

I find that the EL34 tube family, wired for single-ended operation, makes a great compromise. You can get near SET-like sound but with greater bandwidth and less of a midrange bump many triodes produce (and a lot of SET affectionados enjoy).

Why in the world are you looking at 200 watt amps for these?

Here’s what you do. Buy a Chord DAVE. The output from the RCA jacks is more than enough to drive the Khorns to rocking levels. You get a world class DAC - preamp - and in this case power amp all in one neat little package.

Trust me. That’s how I use my Avantgardes and never been happier. See my system.. Got the idea here

https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/reality-quest-going-to-extremes-with-the-taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-part-1-of-5-r907/


I’d run a first watt ss amp with a Conrad Johnson pre.  That would be very detailed and lush which is the sound you want with those Klipschorns. I find them bright to begin with so you’ll have to tame them down, 
Coincident 300B Frankenstein Monoblocks are very hard to best at 2x there cost... yes I own these and use with horn speakers.  Another way to go that also sounds fantastic and has a bit more extended bottom end is the Pass XA25.  I have used this combination with LaScala with outstanding success.