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Amp for Dynaudios

I'm currently in the process of building a 2channel system and I'm just starting to look at speakers. I'm currently thinking of picking up a pair of Dynaudio contour s1.4 since the dealer is close to where I live and has excellent service, and of course I enjoyed listening to the speakers I just don't know what some of the other brands would sound like.

My music library consists of quite a bit of rock and metal, but there's also plenty of jazz and blues so I'm looking for an amp that's good with different genres. The dealer carries simaudio, Cary and vtl so I wanted to get some ideas from you guys on what I should be focusing on regarding amps and preamps.

I've only listened to sim integrated and I wasn't a huge fan, it just sounded a bit too sterile for my tastes. My other option is a Cary SLI 80 but I haven't listened to it. I'm also considering the BAT integrated but that dealt is quite far. These are all options around $3000, but today I just noticed the Moscode 401Au and although it a lot more expensive i'd consider it if I knew that the difference is worth and would suit my needs. At the same time I'll need some preamp recommendations to go with it.

Any other ideas are always welcome since there's a lot out there that I wouldn't know abou.
jibbonacci
jibbonacci OP
31 posts
 
Keithr: did you by any chance compare the C1 with the contour s1.4, I'm trying to figure if almost double the cost is worth it. The BAT looks really good I just don't have any dealers around to audition it. Could you give me a bit of a description of the sound or maybe a comparison with other amps you may have heard? thanks.
steidlguitars
90 posts
 
For me, some of the same texture and body I get from tube guitar amps I also get from tube audio amps.

I use a Rogue 90 to drive Contour 3.4s. It gives up some in bass "tightness" to higher powered SS amps, but really does pretty darned well overall.
keithr
1,306 posts
 
The C1 is far superior to the 1.4----much more detail, much better bass, and driver integration is really superb. honestly, i liked my old 1.3SEs more than the 1.4. some may disagree with me, but that was a very special speaker. the Special 25 has a hot top end, so some like it, some dont (i prefer the more neutral Dyns)

as far as the BAT, i consider it pretty neutral but with a hair of liquidity in the midrange---i have heard Dyns with Sim and don't think that combination is all that the marketing guys think it is. i think Sim is pretty stale sounding. the BAT also is very well built and can drive Danes with ease. the other integrated i'd like to try is the Krell FBI---but its cheaper probably just to get a 400cx and tube preamp.

there are several BAT integrateds on the 'gon right now, so using one in your system would be an inexpensive way to try it. i also had a Pass X2/250.5 on my Dyns and liked that combo very much---but the Pass integrated is still pretty expensive (i sold the 250.5 because it didn't fit in my rack/configuration)

Cheers,

KeithR
keithr
1,306 posts
 
and btw, I've heard the Cary gear numerous times (the SLP98 is a preamp i have owned several times). i prefer the BAT on the Dyns by quite a large margin. i think you will need the watts.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I've had the opportunity to hear many models in the Dynaudio line.

Very few tube amplifiers drive them optimally. I highly recommend solid state be it A, AB or D.

IMO

Dealer disclaimer.
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