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ss amp synergy w/wilsons

i am in the process of making amp changes and would like some input on synergy with wilson watt puppy 7's. i have ruled out tubes for many reasons and another agon member (big thanks to mike!!) has spent allot of time helping me narrow down to a couple of ss options...rowland 302, levinson 436 and maybe pass 350.5 although a little too big.
my current krells (fpb 600c and 3250) are incredible amplifiers but, as i have come to understand, are not the best match for wp's. i thought it would also be a good chance to get something more manageable than 200lbs.
the amps will have to be multipurpose as the system is both my 2 channel and theater. not concerned much about the rears but the center is important. it is used often and i listen very loud (don't all wilson owners)...
i am using a theta casanova for pre and mit cables.
input on synergy you guys have found with wilson/ss would be great...also love to hear if anyone is running rowland 302/312 + wp's...
need to make some decisions because i listed my krells.
richard_stacy
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
The Ayre MX R's sounded so good at my dealer they are now in my system at home. I am VERY impressed with these Ayre amps. I've run tubes for years with my Wilsons. The Ayre are wonderful. Revealing, Transaparent, Delicate, Powerful, Seamless...

I have to echo the comments above on Ayre.

Now somehow you'll have to get that amp down ! I've never seen a amp stand quite like that :)
richard_stacy OP
686 posts
 
wow! great to come home and see all the responses! real surprised to hear all the ayre suggestions as i have heard them to be not a great match for wilson (although stellar amps overall). i have not heard the halo's but appreciate the suggestion and will take a look.

george: i understand the 302 is very similar to the 312 and allot less money since it is not the current model. still near the top of my list.

jazdoc: i will definitely be emailing you when i get the chance. really look forward to hear your thoughts because at this point, i think i could live pretty happy with the 436's for a long time. appreciate the offer to chat.

i love this forum! fantastic resource!
sonofjim
557 posts
 
Jfrech,
Did you buy the KX-R too or just the MX-Rs? I'm currently using the MX-Rs with a VK 51se(also started as VK 50se). This combination seems to work pretty well but I haven't had the chance to try the KX-R in my room yet. Did you find the KX-R to be a significantly better match with the MX-Rs? I'm also wondering if I should try other top preamps in that price range(Messenger, Doshi, Tron Syren). I'm not really sure if I might miss the tubes in the linestage.
hifimaniac
508 posts
 
I had MAXX 1's with Krell KCT and 750 monoblocks and Transparent cabling and I thought they match was excellent. Wilson used Krell equipment years ago before Krell got into loudspeakers. I have a pair of Rowland Model 6's with batteries driving my newly acquired MAXX 2's and while they had no problem making the MAXX's sing the bigger MAXX speaker sounds better with more current. However, the JR model 6's would easily drive your Watt/Puppy 7's. I took a chance on the Electrocompaniet Nemo Monoblocks recently and got a good deal and I can tell you they have better sounding bass than my Krell 750's did and are more musical to my ears and best of all much more affordable. I also had VAC 220s on my old MAXX and think Wilson's sound best with a solid state amp.
richard_stacy OP
686 posts
 
amazing how people differ so much in their preferences. appreciate you guys sharing your experiences, all very helpful.
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