Amp + CD for KEF R500

[kapuxino]

Hi,

Long time reader here, first time poster

I just bought some KEF R500, and I'm looking for an amp and CD player. For the amp, I do not enjoy sound when it is too warm/soft, I prefer something more upfront. Also for me it is very important for the amp to be able to have the bass tight ans well controlled. After some research I'm thinking about the Pioneer A-50 (it also appears to have a nice phono MM for my Rega turntable), what I would like to hear your opinions, specially if some of you came across this speakers + amp combination.

For the CD player I'm a bit lost. I thought about pairing the amp with the Pioneer PD-50 or PD-30, but I have not found many reviews and will probably not be able to have a demo.

I have a ~1000€ budget for the CD + amp combination (that's including some nice phono MM, either integrated or separate). What would you recommend for the R500?

Greetings,

Pablo

 

[BigH]

If you are considering Audiolab, the Audiolab 8200CDQ with the Audiolab power amp has been recommended on here before, the cdq has a pre-amp built in. About the same price as the MF/Audiolab combo above.

 

[csq2]

Do not get the Pioneer, it is too warm sounding. Instead, get something like a Musical Fidelity M3i + Audiolab 8200 CD, which is in a much higher class than the Pioneer. The M3i is forward sounding and place everything in front of you and around you. Excellent amp for the money and you shouldn't hook up the R500, which are awesome speakers, with Pioneer garbage.

 

[peterpan]

Marantz pm lite amp with the cd 6004?

 

[kapuxino]

Thanks for your replies!

The A-50 sounding too warm concerns me, as I was interested in it just for the opposite :S

The M3i and the 8200CDQ + 8200P are great amps and I have only read good things about them, but unfortunately it is way over my budget. I'm hoping to find a nice amp + CD that makes the R500 justice within my budget, but if it doesn't seem possible I will revisit the 1000+ euros amps.

Do you guys think it is actually possible to archive this, or I should just make my mind and get a more expensive amp? :?

The A-50 + some good CD player seemed like a good deal, but there aren't lots of reviews about neither the speakers or the amp.

I was considering the Pearl Lite (2nd hand) too, as peterpan sugests, but thougth it may be softer than the Pioneer. Any experience with it?

I have also considered the Brio-R and some Rotels, but I got the impression that lack a bit on controlling the bass of the R500. As i mentioned, I'm looking for a well controlled, tight low end.

 

[csq2]

I have also considered the Brio-R and some Rotels, but I got the impression that lack a bit on controlling the bass of the R500. As i mentioned, I'm looking for a well controlled, tight low end.

No matter how good the Brio-R may sound, it is very UNREALIBLE. I had a Brio 3 for three years without a single issue, but the new Brio-R has so many circuit-related issues that I have seen many users selling their amps after several months. The Brio 3 was purely made with European parts wihout any chinese parts in it. I think Rega might of cheaped out on their latest products using 3rd -party crap..really a shame because I loved the Brio 3.

 

[BigH]

I thought the Rega Brio amp was a bit underpowered. Another option is to buy a cheap cd player like Yamaha which are £150 and spend more on the amp. or get an ex-demo or used one, plenty of good amps sell for about 50% of new price. Or you can get a used cd player, some good Marantz go for under £100 like the 63SE 2 KI.

 

[Shanka]

Hi,

I have not heard the R500's but have heard the 700, a few suggestions but you are looking at not too warm or smooth and to my ears bothe the MF M3 and the pearl lite are in this category, another whic you can get on e bay new within budget would be the Yamaha as1000.

I heard the R700 with creek destiny and roksan Kandy amps and they are less warm than the above, you could look at creek evo 2 or 5350.

Obviously demo as much as you can, also NAd amps give a very lively performance and ususally the bigger the better, more punch than Arcam.

Not much help really but you have some excellent speakers so take your time and have fun.

Good Luck

 

[Exoticsounds]

You could try to auditon Pioneer A-70 and Rotel RA-12 , they have a phono stage and a dac built in. Then you can basically use any well built CD or BD player and connect it digitally and let the dacs in the amp do their magic.

For a nice look you could pair the Pioneer with a PD10 or if you also wanted to be able to watch movies a BDP450.

 

[kapuxino]

Thanks for all your replies

I think I'll try to spend most of the budget on the right amp, and then try to find a nice CD after that.

At first I thought that the Pioneer A-50 + PD-50 would be a good match (the PD-50 seems to have a better DAC than the A-70).

I have read good things about the Yamaha A-S 1000, but some say is it a bit laid back. I'd like to know how it compares to the Pioneer. Anyone had the chance to hear both?

I'll try to have a better look and listen to these amps (in no specific order):

- Pioneer A-50 or A-70 (I'd like to know how better the A70 is)

- Yamaha A-S 1000

- Onkyo A-9050

- Rotel RA-12

- Roksan K2?

- Arcam A38?

Have anyone listen to the R500s with these amps?

(I still have the option to forget about the CD for now, and spend all the budget on the amp, but I'm not sure how much benefit it'd be.)

 

[kapuxino]

I ended getting the Pioneer A-50, and I'm really really happy with it

For people enjoying a laid back and warmer representstion it is not an option. However, if you like an upfront, clean and natural sound, the A-50 should be on your list. I love the sound with the R500s very much. :bounce:

I'm now headed for a CD player:

After the good results of the A-50, I'm seriosly considering the Pioneer PD-50, but there are very few reviews. In theory, the PD-50 DAC seems great, aparently much better than my Yulong D100. And being able to play SACD is a bonus.

Is there anyone who can share some information for the PD-50 player?