Amp for Dali Hellicon 400 mk2

the helicon mk2 400 need alot of clean power to control the bass. i am using them with mcintosh 501. ss does work better then tube with the helicon unless you are in the upper price range of a tube amp. I also noticed that the helicon are a very fussy speaker, you need to place them just right, and yes they do need alot of break in. i chose to sell mine and went a diffent rout with totem winds. the helicons will reviel a poor amp and or interconnects.

Dave, I am using Chord epic super twin speaker cables currently. You dont hear much about it in this forum, but I think its a great cable for the Helicon. It also needs a long burn in.
I have tried many cables with many speakers over the years and mostly just get more confused the more listening I do, but the Chord works very well for me so far. Cables remain a huge mystery to me, and I find myself unable to always clearly define what I am hearing with many of them, and it often changes when I listen again. Components are a breeze by comparison, to me.

I'll try to remember to ask the Dali guys what they're using.

Dave

Dave, I read a review of the Jeff Rowland amp which you tried with the Helicons, and based on the review, I am wondering if it really would be a great match with Helicons. Seems like a potential mismatch.
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=6640
Perhaps this was the issue with the Rowland/Dali combination you tried.
Your thoughts?

Can you cut and paste the part that signals to you that it's a mismatch for the Dali? I don't see that there.

Keep in mind, he was using the MBL speakers. I think that's the last set of speakers that you use as a reference for testing amps. The C-500 will be best with dynamic drivers that can use the power and present a nominal load from around 3 ohms to 10 ohms. The Dalis fit that general description.

I tried the Dalis with the Primare and the Conrad Johnson CA200 and had the same problems. The cabling was Cardas and Analysis Plus.

Tomorrow or Saturday I'll be listening to the Dalis in Dali's suite at RMAF. That'll likely clear up a few things. For some reason, they may be sensitive to amps and cables, so we'll get to listen through equipment that should be carefully matched (famous last words).

I'll report back soon.

Dave