2. amps-preamps
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Which Super Integrated Amp to drive planars?

So, i've narrowed down my shortlist to the below amplifiers to drive my LFT 8B Planar speakers. These are all big powerful integrated amps - having a preference of integrateds at this pricepoint. My source is an Esoteric SA60. I play nearly all music genre.

Can any forum members share their views / experience with any of the below mentioned amps - preferably where driving difficult / low sensitivity (84dB or less) full range speakers? Comments on the synergy between the above and below mentioned products also deeply appreciated.

Super Integrateds (High Power products only)

BAT VK-300X SE -------------------[150w 8ohm, 300w 4 ohm]
Coda Continuum CSI ltd edition --[220w 8ohm, 440w 4 ohm]
Krell 400xi --------------------------[200w 8ohm, 400w 4 ohm]
Pass Labs INT-150 ----------------[150w 8ohm, 300w 4 ohm]
Unison Research Unico 200 -------[200w 8ohm, 350w 4 ohm]
Boulder 865 Integrated -----------[150w 8ohm, 300w 4 ohm]
Sim Audio Moon i-7 ---------------[150w 8ohm, 250w 4 ohm]

Thanks
kiwi_1282001
florianw
30 posts
 
Musical Fidelity KW500 if i am not mistaken.
tweak1
3,643 posts
 
PS Audio GCC 250. Differentially balanced, full function remote includes L/R balance, input selection AND polarity- designated as "PHASE" on the remote.
gregm
3,399 posts
 
Which spkrs are you driving? It helps to know -- otherwise, how can one recommend a specific amp?

As things stand, any of the amps you've listed (and I would add the Plinius, as above) will give you +20-25dB spl over the spkrs' ref level...
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
mac 6900 or 7000 with autoformers
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Here's something different for you; take a look at the twin Pathos Classic One MkIII tube hybrid integrateds that I'm using. 270w into four ohms bridged, super-clean signal path as you run directly from source into the integrateds. You lose a preamp and one set of IC's, but you gain mono block operation for channel separation and power with a tube pre stage and SS output stage.

I have been using this set up with the LFT-8B's for months, and it is a superb combination! In fact, I used these amps in the review I did for these speakers. see link:

http://www.dagogo.com/EminentTech-LFT-8b.html

http://www.dagogo.com/PathosClassicOneMkIII.html

They're Class A in bridged mode, and you won't spend a ton on tubes! They have one set of balanced inputs, and three or four single ended. Last I looked they were $5,500/pair. I have found them very competitive with pre/amp separates up to $10k.

There was a guy I sold my MkII units to as I was upgrading to the MkIII's. He had Boulder separates, and he tried the Pathi. When speaking with him after they arrived, he was quite surprised at the quality of the sound compared to the Boulder separates. But the MkIII's are much better.

On top of all that, they look seriously sweet too! It is an unusual set up, but I have superb results with it.
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