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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
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Try Bryston as well. They're cheap on the used market.
csontos
1,311 posts
 
If I were to buy a pair of Kef 105s, I'd find a pair of the first series. They were far better built, weigh twice as much and got better reviews. The isolastic driver mounts are what specd the series 2s a bit better but at the expense of a large dynamic margin. I bought mine new in 79 and was soon sorry I didn't hunt down the series 1. Incidentally, the Kef/1s are also significantly better than their first generation B&W 801 counterparts.
unsound
7,318 posts
 
Caveat!, I haven't actually heard this combination together, but I would imagine the McCormack amps would work very well with the KEFs.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Don't forget Belles.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
I've had a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe as well as a DNA .5 Deluxe and each more than handled my KEF 104/2 Reference speakers. The sound was very nice to me. Very open and airy. With the DNA-1s the music was a little more forward sounding then when I had them powered with the DNA .5 Deluxe amp. I know this isn't an exact comparison but I really think the KEF 105.2s will match well with a McCormack DNA-1. If you could get monoblocks that would be even better.

Also if you are a good DIYer I would say refoam the 104/2s and for the tweeters get the ferro fluid changed. I had this done to my KEF 104/2s and am happy. The repairman checked everything and it was his feeling that the KEF 104/2s when refurbed can compete with speakers in the $1500-$2000 range.
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