Advice for Amp to Drive Klipsch Forte IVs


I just got back into hifi after being away for many many years. My first system, when I was 18-19 was a Kenwood KA-9100 amp, KT-615 tuner, Denon TT, Klipsch Heresy speakers and Teac reel to reel. Loved that setup in a small room. That was 1979-80. I’m now almost 60...LOL...and I’ve got time and money.

Just earlier this year I bought some KLIPSCH Forte IVs, a Denafrips Pontus II DAC, CXN V2 and a small Reisong tube amp while I got on the list for a set of Decware amps. I decided I couldn’t wait and have decided to go SS.  

 I listen to down tempo, Trip-Hop, Jazz and a little of this and that in a fairly small space. ...maybe 15x30.

I’m considering the Pass Labs INT-25 or maybe a Luxman L-550ax ii.

 I do not have the opportunity to demo either of these but have read wonderful reviews and have watched some nice videos about each. 

 I wanted to get some thoughts on this set up. A brand new Luxman goes for about the same price as a demo INT-25.

daodao

How about a Rogue Pharaoh II Integrated Amplifier? Tube front end with a class D power section. Plenty of power to get the Klipsch pumping. The pre-amp tubes will last a long time. 

@daodao 100% with you muisically and about Decware. I have Heresy IV;s running with an Odyssey Khartago with tons of upgrades. Unless I can someday get a pass amp I have no desire for any other amp. Word of caution, because this is happening in my system, most SS amps are high gain, and most tube pre’s have high gain so noise is an issue. I am running 12db attenuators which remedies this. No change to the sound to my ears but its obviously not something I thought through before hand. I am very happy with my system but admit the gain thing bugs my sensibilities (read: mental illness) and so I have been looking at a passive/low gain pre like the Hattor.

 

Just something to keep in mind with effecicient speakers 👍

IF Luxman, Efficient Speakers, I would prefer tubes.

My 1st ever Luxman SQ-N150 is a low powered tube integrated, 10wpc 6 ohms ..., wonderful sound, very compact, using with my least efficient speakers ever 87 spl/w/m, in my office system, Like they say, much more power than you think.

Built in Phono sounds terrific also.

I would be tempted by it’s bigger brother, LX380, 20wpc 6ohms ...

http://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=16

It has pre-out/main-in which allows the optional use of self-powered subs if you ever try that, thus the 20 wpc will not have to do the heavy lifting.

Couldn’t wait? Think Long, whatever the wait, it’s but a speck of time. You may regret, for a far longer time, not waiting for what you really want.

In my answer above (#1) I should have said one link below. Perhaps you are not looking for other integrated amp brands, but if you wanted to go the tube route take a look at any of the Raven integrated amps.

https://www.ravenaudio.com