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What Amp with KEF 105.2?

I have a JVC SS amp from the mid to late 80's that kicks out 120W/channel, kinda high end for it's time (a consumer version of JVC's Pro series) A-X900 series. Got it as a package with a pair of KEF 104.2(bi-amp) version.It sounded great in my living room till the internal woofers gave way. Was wandering if it would be a good match with a pair of kef 105.2's. The speakers i currently use with the JVC sounds thin in the bottom end, forcing me to use the loudness button and engage the tone controls which i dont like to do, since i prefer to bypass the tone or leave the treble and bass switch on the 12 O'clock mark. I also listen to my music kinda low (jazz, classical) since i leave in an apartment
hifinut1970
rrog
1,958 posts
 
I owned KEF 105/2 speakers many years ago. You need a high quality amplifier to control that large woofer. After trying several amplifiers I settled on a Krell KSA 80B. It was also a good match for the KEF's laid-back sound quality. Also, those heavy woofers have a tendency to sag over time. Inspect the woofer surrounds for an equal gap on the top and bottom. If the bottom gap is smaller remove the woofer and turn it over 180 degrees to center the woofer cone.
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dbphd
1,628 posts
 
Rrog,

I assume your advice applies to 107/2s as well. I use a Proceed HPA 3 (500 watts/channel into 4 ohms) with my 107/2s and a 102. I realize that may seem like overkill for 90 dB sensitive speakers, but it sounds great. Previously I used a Proceed Amp 3 (250 watts/channel into 4 ohms), and that combination sounded fine too, just not quite as fine. I suspect the difference in sound is due to more than power.

db
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
A big, beefy, hi-current amp is what you want. I *loved* those speakers back in the day - but they sure could suck up some juice. I reckon at least 200 watts/ch. of hi-current amplification would od them jusitce.

BTW, the advice to rotate the woofers is spot-on...

-RW-
csontos
1,311 posts
 
I still have my 105/2s. I ran them with a pair of Meridian 105 monos. 100wpch. minimum. 7db headroom. I had no problem driving those 86db pigs. The key here is current. I still have the 105s too. Awesome amps with serious bottom end control. Good luck finding a pair of those on the used market. The only other amps I found to better them are the Acoustat TNT200 and 120.
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