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Amps for Klipschorn speakers

I am in the market for a tube power amp and pre amp to use with my 1980s Klipschorn speakers. I will be using a turntable as well as a CD player. I am a musician and have a studio that is good size where this stereo will be located. I like to sometimes play fairly loud although what I am really looking for is quality of sound on this system. For a budget maybe $3-$5000 on each piece. Used amps are fine with me. I listen to rock, blues, pop, etc. Right now, I have an old 70s Marantz 250 power amp with a Marantz 3300 pre amp hooked up to the Klips. I am a musician and not an audiophile so I know very little about good stereo equipment but I want to take a big step up in sonic quality. I appreciate the help as I am ready to acquire the amps. Thanks...
wemfan
winoguy17
1,185 posts
 
As a former owner of several Klipsch models (K horn, LaScla and heresy) I recommend a SS amp and tube pre. Those 15 in. woofers seem to fare better in my experience with a good SS amp.
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
You might try the PrimaLuna integrated amps - I use one with my Cornwalls, and that is a nice combo. I would not recommend a solid state amp with Klipsch speakers. The resulting sound will be very bright. Generally, the lower powered amps will sound quite a bit better. You can drive those Klipschorns with only 1/2 a watt per channel if you really want.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Learsfool,
Many Klipsch speaker owners seem to feel as you do in my experience. A good quality tube amp is the better choice with these speakers if the goal is superior sound quality.This is from owners who have tried both SS and tube power amplifiers.I realize there`re always exceptions.The large woofer size is`nt a problem with the proper tube amp.This is a very easy speaker load.
Regards,
ths364
181 posts
 
Atmasphere. Look it up. (no affiliation whatsoever)
wemfan OP
87 posts
 
I have been looking at the Atma-spheres particularly the M60 mono blocks and the MP-3 pre amp. They seem to get rave reviews but I am a little worried about the heat they might put off and just having an amp with that many tubes so I am still on the fence with that one.

Another option I am considering is an ARC VS115 with a REF-3 pre amp.

I read some threads on the Cary SLI-80 several of you suggested and that also seems like a unit I might would want. I just moved to a new house and really need to upgrade my living room as well as a master bedroom so the Cary looks like it may be a good fit there.

How can I run a center speaker with my Khorns? I have a pair of Cornwalls I could use. Would I have to buy an amp with a center out and if so do many have them?

I am still looking up all of the amps suggested. I do appreciate the help.
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