Hi All,
I’ve recently picked up a pair of second hand Kef iQ5SE floor standers. They are in mint condition and I’ve been informed they have spent most of their life boxed in storage, their condition testament to this. I remember drooling over these speakers when they were first introduced 5/6 years ago, but as a penniless student they were at the time, out of reach! Well now I have a pair, so all I need now is an amplifier to compliment them...
Having done some online research, I've shortlisted 3 VERY different integrated amps, for very different reasons, they are as follows…
Clones Audio 25i (circa £550) - Hoping this minimal hand built Gains Clone amp will get me somewhere near to 'Hifi' quality sound without breaking the bank.
Arcam FMJ A19 (£650) - Simply based on the solid reviews and potential upgrade path.
NAD D3020 - Based on the plethora of inputs and classic NAD sound.
My heart tells me to go for the Clones Audio, mainly as I am certainly willing the trade any extra features if the sound is radically superior when compared with the other two amps. Will the Arcam better suit my speakers and will the extra power be an advantage. Or is the sound though the Kef iQ5’s going to so marginal across all three amps, in which case I should go for the connective convenience of the NAD?
Please help, all opinions welcome!
I’ve recently picked up a pair of second hand Kef iQ5SE floor standers. They are in mint condition and I’ve been informed they have spent most of their life boxed in storage, their condition testament to this. I remember drooling over these speakers when they were first introduced 5/6 years ago, but as a penniless student they were at the time, out of reach! Well now I have a pair, so all I need now is an amplifier to compliment them...
Having done some online research, I've shortlisted 3 VERY different integrated amps, for very different reasons, they are as follows…
Clones Audio 25i (circa £550) - Hoping this minimal hand built Gains Clone amp will get me somewhere near to 'Hifi' quality sound without breaking the bank.
Arcam FMJ A19 (£650) - Simply based on the solid reviews and potential upgrade path.
NAD D3020 - Based on the plethora of inputs and classic NAD sound.
My heart tells me to go for the Clones Audio, mainly as I am certainly willing the trade any extra features if the sound is radically superior when compared with the other two amps. Will the Arcam better suit my speakers and will the extra power be an advantage. Or is the sound though the Kef iQ5’s going to so marginal across all three amps, in which case I should go for the connective convenience of the NAD?
Please help, all opinions welcome!