Amp for Dali Hellicon 400 mk2

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

Well, Dali didn't have a separate suite. I did listen again in the Soundings second room and noted the same bass problem I've heard before, using Rowland to drive.

Dave

Hi Dave,
In the end we will have to disagree about the Helicon 400. I have lots of experience listening to them with different amps, cables etc. I also owned them for some time with different amplifiers. I think they are outstanding speakers with very few flaws. Deep bass tonality would not be one of them from my experience. The amplifier review tends to indicate a lack of warmth or emotional substance from the amp, and I suppose my thoughts were that it may indicate some weakness in the deeper notes, as you have experienced with that amp/speaker combination. I made that connection because of the mismatch between your impressions of the speakers, and mine. Its one theory, and may well be wrong.
Your opinion was confirmed at the show, so clearly you are convinced, and you should consider different speakers for your system.
Regards.

Sorry Mike. I really thought there'd be a Dali suite, with these things running to perfection. Instead, Dali was referring to Soundings' second suite. They were running it with a REL sub, which was turned off for my listen. I would have like my opinion to be "confirmed" with other associated equipment, selected by Dali, but such was not to be.

Dave

I am using a Sanders ESL 300 MkII amp to drive my Helicon 400s. It is an excellent sounding amp with plenty of power and bass control! The speakers also respond readily to cable and preamp changes. I am also using a Dodd battery preamp with NOS tubes and the bass response is deeper and tighter than the Rowland Synergy IIi that I previously used.