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Amp for Dynaudio: Pass Aleph 3 is OK?

My system is Dynaudio Audience 60, Adcom GFP 750 , and NAD 214 power amp. Source is Cal Alpha and Delta combo.

NAD 214 has a power to drive Dynaudio(86dB, 4ohms), but it does not have dynamics and details.
I would like to replace my power to either Pass Labs Aleph 3 or old Krell (KSA 50).

I don't play music loud and listening room is also small, so I don't need a huge amps, but I want all the details and dynamics even at lower volume, and Aleph 3 has good reputation for its clarity. I am not sure if it can drive my Audience enough.

My budget is around $1500, but I can spend more if a couple of hundred dollars improve sound dramatically.

Maybe, I could go with an integrated amps. I tried Bryston B-60, and it was quite impressive for vocal and jazz, but the base was laid back...

Any advice is welcome!

My budget is around $1500, but I can spend more if a couple of hundred dollars improves sound dramatically.

Maybe, I could go with an integrated amps. I tried Bryston B-60, and it was quite impressive for vocal and jazz, but the base was laid back...

Any advice is welcome!
kyongjin
liguy
228 posts
 
Kthomas, the Aleph 3 is a wonderful sounding little space heater. If you live in a colder climate the sound from this little amp will not only warm your heart but your toes on a cold winter's night. The amp can drive the speakers you mention but I can not attest to what volume. It appears that David99 feels it will supply sufficient volume, so I will go along with him. In any case, I have heard this amp many times before and can assure you that it is one of the sweetest amps of modest power I have ever heard. Best of luch to you.
kyongjin OP
2 posts
 
Thank you for your all postings!

I did not have any experience with Krell powers, but I auditioned 300i integrated amp with Audience 60.
Please don't mad at me, all Krell 300i owners. In my experience, I don't know why 300i is so expensive ($2500).
Yes, the base was slamming, but that was it. May be I don't like too much kicking base, but I love tight and dynamic base, but Krell's sound was little bit off.
I have heard that Krell's KAV250a and 300i shares the same power, so I expect similar result with KAV250a.
I don't know.............Maybe, just Krell's pre amp in 300i is just not my type. I better try with KAV250a.

The reason why I am considering KSA 50 as a candidate is that so many people say the Krell is the best match with Dynaudio, and it is around my budget.

Anyway, I live in LA, CA, and no dealer has Aleph 3 any more.

By the way, I am pretty impressed with Mr. Nelson Pass. Yesterday, I emailed the similar question to him ,and I got an immediate reply from him. I think he knows what he is doing, and he must be a sincere person.
kthomas
911 posts
 
Just to be clear, I'm sure the Aleph 3 is a superb amp - I have heard nothing but positive remarks and reviews of Pass amps, and would love to try one in my system some day. I've never heard one under any circumstances, so I can't personally give it the thumbs up or down.

Also, absolutely if you're willing to live with the heat and the energy bills, go pure class A. I wouldn't try to dissuade anyone from going pure class A for performance - in fact, just the opposite. I believe the KSA50s is pure class A - the KAV-250a is absolutely NOT, and I didn't mean to imply that it was.

Kyongjin - the KAV250 and the 300i are VERY different beasts. The 300i has 150w/ch (the new iL has 200) and the KAV250 has 250w/ch. But, much more than the raw power, the KAV250 is at least a whole notch up in performance, retailing for more than the 300i did (does) as just an amp. Moreover, the reviews of the 300i, both professional and consumer, have recounted spotty performance, whereas the reviews of the KAV250 have been largely overwhelmingly positive. One of the Robert's for TAS (Hartley or Greene, I can never keep them straight), reviewed the 250 and gave it very high praise. It's currently in the perfect sweet spot of purchasing used - you can find show-room new condition used units (or dealer close-outs) that are only 1-2 years old, since Krell just announced new models, and it's available right at, or about, your budget price.

Although I have no problem recommending this as at least an option to think about (and encouraging you to not use your 300i experience as a reference), you may well prefer the sound of another amp, and I certainly wouldn't attempt to tell you you shouldn't. The KSA50s can certainly be had used for less than $1500 (probably closer to $1000). The Pass amps are very highly regarded and may be the best choice for your tastes. -Kirk

david99
1,467 posts
 
Very nice post Kthomas!
Please check out WHO R U and tells us about yourself.
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch
426 posts
 
As a fun alternative, the BAT VK 200 would be an excellent choice. High current, class A and in your price range (used). I've heard it shine with the Contour 3.0.
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