I’d get a Purifi amp. Plenty of power, excellent sound and run cool. Buckeye and VTV are both USA made and quite reasonable. Plenty of power and current which the LS3/5a’s like. What preamp will you be using?
Best Amplifier for LS3/5a
Happy New Year All! Seeking advice from LS3/5 enthusiasts! I have tried a number of these speakers (Graham, Harbeth, Falcon and KEF LS50's (if that counts)) - and to me the Falcon Gold Badge really stood out. It's been a while now since I did the comparison, so I don't remember all the details - but I felt that the Falcons were the most musical, engaging, open and did NOT have bloated bass (important for a small room)! I've held on to a pair for my bedroom system, but I don't think that my current bedroom amps (AGD Audions, which I love with my current Raidho XT-1 monitors) are the best match for them. I get a bit too much sizzle on the top and some associated sibilance.
Herb Reichert (Stereophile) seems to love these speakers, and his review notes that the Parasound A21+ was too dry with these speakers, but he really liked the Line Magnetic LM-518 IA. That's not going to work for me! In this bedroom system I keep the amp(s) under the bed and generally leave them on 24/7. If possible, I prefer a balanced design, as I want NO HUM in my bedroom and my DAC/Pre (Weiss 501) has both balanced and RCA outs.
Based on the intended setup, I think balanced solid state would make the most sense. Amp selection might be influenced by the speakers having 15 ohm input impedance.
Any suggestions? Thanks, Peter
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@rdschicago Thanks for the suggestion. I like the fact that it's balanced and that VTV offers a 30-day audition. I'm not intimidated by it being Class D - because my current amp (AGD Audion) is Ganfet Class D. I think that the AGD is an amazing amp. So my question is - is there something special about the Purifi that would beat the AGD ganfet? Definitely the Audion is less power (170W, 4ohm (>30A max current capability)). Thoughts? |
I can recommend the Schiit Tyr monoblocks, which pair great with my Harbeth P3ESR-XDs. The LS3/5a is a sealed box mini-monitor that is inherently reticent, but the Tyrs bring out a full, dynamic sound. I'm also struck by how good they sound at low volume, a testament to how well they control the woofers. The Tyr is on Stereophile's Class A recommendation list. |
Ran vintage LS 3/5A 15 ohm and currently run Weiss 501. I've run the Rogers LS 3/5A with Sugden A21SE to great affect. They require as you know lots of quality high current, not wattage. Class A is magical with these. Sugden is not balanced but I do not believe that would improve over unbalanced in this application. Best success. |
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