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Looking for 200 watt Amp to drive Dynaudio Heritage speakers

Hi Everyone - 

BACKGROUND 


A few years ago, during Covid and after having worked for so many years without really treating myself to a sound system, I took the plunge and started purchasing audio equipment. Unfortunately, I was a terribly uninformed audio buyer and dove in with some purchases that were not terribly well considered. Oh well. 

So here we are today... I have a pair of Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers that I was considering selling.

The Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers require power to open up. Driven at 100 watts, they sound a little anemic and the treble dominates at lower levels. So they ended up in the closet for the last year with plans to sell them. In retrospect, the dealer I purchased them suggested a lower wattage amp than was advisable. 

For my primary system, I'm now running QLN Prestige Three speakers with a Conrad Johnson Classic 120 EL34 amp, LTA Microzotl preamp, Merason DAC1 and Innuos Zenith. The sound of this system is wonderful - ethereal, nuanced, great soundstage and imaging. Very relaxing combo. 

I'm thinking of cycling the Dynaudio into circulation for a few months a year to change things up. I'm looking for a 200 Watt Solid State Amp. But here's the thing, I'm getting older and lugging heavy things around - especially when stairs are part of the equation - is terribly unappealing. 50-55 pounds is pretty much my limit right now.  

I had some Pass Labs amps in for home demos and the thing was a back breaker. I think it was 80 pounds or so. My days of pseudo body building are over... so lugging that thing up and down stairs is something I NEVER want to do again. 

QUESTION FOR THE FORUM 

Can anyone suggest a reasonably priced solid state 200 watt SS amp - no more than 50-55 pounds - that I can use to enjoy these Dynaudio Heritage Speakers? Class AB or Class D, obviously. For weight considerations, I'm really open to a Class D amp, assuming it sounds good. 

Budget is $5K or under - new or used. 

In terms of what I'm looking for - and given my weight requirements - I'd say the primary thing I'm looking to avoid is overt brightness. Otherwise, I'm pretty open to what suggestions the forum might have. Thanks in advance! 
 

128x128bluethinker
soix
8,729 posts
 

The AVA recommendation above is a good one. I’ll add this AGD Tempo di GaN amp that reportedly captures the majority of their lauded Audion monoblocks in a smaller stereo package and at a significantly lower price. I’d also note it’s upgradeable when a new and improved amp module comes out (and I believe already has been done once) — just unplug the old module and plug in the new and that’s it (pretty cool), and it only weighs 11 pounds.  It’s rated at 100Wpc into 8 Ohms but doubles to 200Wpc into 4 Ohms, and GaN amps are generally stable into even 2 Ohm loads so I highly doubt power will be an issue.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb893e-agd-production-tempo-di-gan-solid-state

Here’s a review just fyi, and best of luck.

https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1221/AGD_Tempo_di_GaN_Stereo_Amplifier_Review.htm

elliottbnewcombjr
5,192 posts
 

speakers, sensitivity 85, nominal 4 ohms

this Arcam is rated 200 wpc 8 ohms; 400 wpc 4 ohms

one on eBay

 

 

cbrez
37 posts
 

I know this might not be helpful based on you ask for a 200 watt amp, but I am a Dynaudio HS Special owner and I get terrific sound from them using a Pass XA25. The speakers are a 4 ohm nominal load as you probably know and they are current hungry. The Pass even at 25 watts is a current monster and also doubles down at lower impedances. I also use an LTA microZOTL pre with them.

Again, just my mileage with these speakers, but not sure that a wattage number is absolutely going to deliver what you are looking for.

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,813 posts
 

For value, I think the AVA is hard to beat. That's what I'd try first.

mofojo
2,172 posts
 

All watts not created equal. I would maybe consider an Odyssey Kismet in Khartago case. Should be about 50 lbs and well under your budget. I’ve had Odyssey amps 2 different times and they were amazing for the price IMO. The Dynaudios I’ve had need lots of current and the Odyssey delivers while sounding clean and slightly on the warm side. If you want to up your budget I’m sure you can top it. 
 

Also if buying used you can get really good deals on really nice Musical Fidelity stuff. Not sure it’s because they change models so quick or there are just lots out there. Any higher watt model would likely be a good match. 
 

I’m almost done.. I swear. I heard some Contour 60s with an Octave V110se at a dealer. It didn’t sound like normal tubes. Balls and brawn and a hint of that great tubeness we all love. Impressive. 

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