Amp-matching a pair of Dali Ikon 6 Mk2

[Wahlstrom]

Hi!
Looking to uppgrade my audio setup and buying a better, more hi-fi, amplifier to my speakers - Dali ikon 6mk2.
I've heard a lot good about the NAD 326bee but I'm a bit worried regarding too low power output?
I've also seen the brands Arcam and Roksan Kandy being good matches with Dali. Any suggestions on what to look for? Budget is <500 dollars.
There is a NAD 326Bee in my area going for 200 dollars atm, should I just buy it?

Thanks for any thoughts regarding this topic!

 

[Integralista]

Hi!
Looking to uppgrade my audio setup and buying a better, more hi-fi, amplifier to my speakers - Dali ikon 6mk2.
I've heard a lot good about the NAD 326bee but I'm a bit worried regarding too low power output?
I've also seen the brands Arcam and Roksan Kandy being good matches with Dali. Any suggestions on what to look for? Budget is <500 dollars.
There is a NAD 326Bee in my area going for 200 dollars atm, should I just buy it?

Thanks for any thoughts regarding this topic!

Hi, you are lucky. You got very good speakers, which were class leaders around 2011-2013. They have got also EISA award as best speaker 2010-2011. NAD 326Bee is not a bad amp, but your speakers require better amp to get their full potential. As you wrote Arcam A15 or Roksan Kandy or some Rega Elex or also Rotel A14 or A12 will work very well with your Dali speakers. BR.

 

[Wahlstrom]

Hi, you are lucky. You got very good speakers, which were class leaders around 2011-2013. They have got also EISA award as best speaker 2010-2011. NAD 326Bee is not a bad amp, but your speakers require better amp to get their full potential. As you wrote Arcam A15 or Roksan Kandy or some Rega Elex or also Rotel A14 or A12 will work very well with your Dali speakers. BR.

Hi! First of all thanks! I agree with you, they deserve a good amplifier.
There is a Kandy K2 Integrated for sale for 700 dollars, do you think that is a good deal and match? Don't know what they normally go for. There is also a Rotel RA-1520 for sale for 400 dollars, and a Rotel RA 12 (is it simuilar to the A12?) for 200 dollars. Don't know much about them though.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[Al ears]

Hi! First of all thanks! I agree with you, they deserve a good amplifier.
There is a Kandy K2 Integrated for sale for 700 dollars, do you think that is a good deal and match? Don't know what they normally go for. There is also a Rotel RA-1520 for sale for 400 dollars, and a Rotel RA 12 (is it simuilar to the A12?) for 200 dollars. Don't know much about them though.

Thanks for your advice!

Well WHF certainly liked the Rotel RA-1520 when they reviewed it.....
"It doesn't take a long listen to realise that Rotel has delivered an amplifier that offers a genuine alternative to our established Naim Nait 5i and Roksan Kandy K2 favourites"

 

[matthewpianist]

As much as I like NAD, I think you can do better than the C326BEE for this purpose. I've had success pairing Dali with Marantz in the past, and if you can find a PM8006 second hand, this would make a lovely match.

 

[Integralista]

Hi! First of all thanks! I agree with you, they deserve a good amplifier.
There is a Kandy K2 Integrated for sale for 700 dollars, do you think that is a good deal and match? Don't know what they normally go for. There is also a Rotel RA-1520 for sale for 400 dollars, and a Rotel RA 12 (is it simuilar to the A12?) for 200 dollars. Don't know much about them though.

Thanks for your advice!

Hi, from this small group is Roksan Kandy K2 "the king". It is very robust, reliable amp built to last decades and survive some tsunami. Inside very well built, high quality components. And truly very good sound. If you can invest 700 dollars, this is the choice. Rotel RA 1520 is from similar time like Roksan. It is also very good amp. I like both brands. Overal better sound and value here is Roksan. I think even new Atessa amp from Roksan will have a struggle to keep up with her old brother KandyK2. BR.

 

[Al ears]

Hi, from this small group is Roksan Kandy K2 "the king". It is very robust, reliable amp built to last decades and survive some tsunami. Inside very well built, high quality components. And truly very good sound. If you can invest 700 dollars, this is the choice. Rotel RA 1520 is from similar time like Roksan. It is also very good amp. I like both brands. Overal better sound and value here is Roksan. I think even new Atessa amp from Roksan will have a struggle to keep up with her old brother KandyK2. BR.

From what I can see the Roksan is way overpriced assuming we are talking US Dollars?
They are available for around £400, it was £795 new...... That said I have seen one American review that said it was $1925, which is very odd!
Plus they concluded it was good value for money..... Yanks eh?
🙂
The Rotel is realistically priced because that was £700 new.
Just saying......

 

[Integralista]

From what I can see the Roksan is way overpriced assuming we are talking US Dollars?
They are available for around £400, it was £795 new......

Just because they are good and there is still demand for them...Like old Rega Elicit mk1 or mk2. In good shape, it is nearly a gold nuget.😂 I am searching for this amp for some time...not so easy. Current amps from Roksan like Atessa do not go in the right direction, my opinion.

 

[Al ears]

Just because they are good and there is still demand for them...Like old Rega Elicit mk1 or mk2. In good shape, it is nearly a gold nuget.😂 I am searching for this amp for some time...not so easy. Current amps from Roksan like Atessa do not go in the right direction, my opinion.

If they are that good why are they under £400 here but $700 wherever the OP is?
Unless they really were $1925 when released in the States, which is madness.

 

[Integralista]

If they are that good why are they under £400 here but $700 wherever the OP is?

I think, in UK there are many of them, in US they are more like rare specimen.

 

[Wahlstrom]

Hi!
So thanks for all the info and suggestions. I've negotiated the Kandy K2 to 600 USD (i live in Sweden), and he offers me to drive it and deliver it at my home (which it self is worth quite a lot, and saves me time), so I think I'll go with it! I've only heard good things about this amp, and it seems quite rare here in Sweden. I've had a hard time to compare it to "old auctions/offers " in my nearby area since there have not been that many!

 

[Wahlstrom]

Hi!
So thanks for all the info and suggestions. I've negotiated the Kandy K2 to 600 USD (i live in Sweden), and he offers me to drive it and deliver it at my home (which it self is worth quite a lot, and saves me time), so I think I'll go with it! I've only heard good things about this amp, and it seems quite rare here in Sweden. I've had a hard time to compare it to "old auctions/offers " in my nearby area since there have not been that many!

Sure I could probably wait around a couple of months and find a better bargain but you never know! I can see on eBay that som exist in the UK but it cost 100+ dollars to ship..

 

[Al ears]

Sure I could probably wait around a couple of months and find a better bargain but you never know! I can see on eBay that som exist in the UK but it cost 100+ dollars to ship..

I certainly hope you enjoy it, it's a great amplifier.

 

[Wahlstrom]

I certainly hope you enjoy it, it's a great amplifier.

Thanks!

Another question - I'm planning to play quite a lot of vinyl on this amp. As I've understood it has a built in Pre-amp, I have a Rega Fono Mini A2D Mk2 for my current amp. I will of course listen and compare but still curious what you think, is it better to use the external, quite budget preamp, or is it better to use the built in preamp in the Kandy K2 for playing vinyl?

 

[Integralista]

Thanks!

Another question - I'm planning to play quite a lot of vinyl on this amp. As I've understood it has a built in Pre-amp, I have a Rega Fono Mini A2D Mk2 for my current amp. I will of course listen and compare but still curious what you think, is it better to use the external, quite budget preamp, or is it better to use the built in preamp in the Kandy K2 for playing vinyl?

Hi, Roksan is also producing very good turntables and they have deep knowledge about analogue hifi. I am sure mm stage inside Kandy K2 is on a very good level. Rega Fono Mini A2D mk2 is I think comparable with phono stage inside Kandy. Question, if you need something better lay on quality of your turntable and cartridge. So, which turntable and cartridge do you have? BR.

 

[Wahlstrom]

Hi, Roksan is also producing very good turntables and they have deep knowledge about analogue hifi. I am sure mm stage inside Kandy K2 is on a very good level. Rega Fono Mini A2D mk2 is I think comparable with phono stage inside Kandy. Question, if you need something better lay on quality of your turntable and cartridge. So, which turntable and cartridge do you have? BR.

Thanks for the tip!
I currently have a rega planar 1, but been wanting to upgrade it for a while and the cartridge is pretty worn. I want to buy something vintage/second hand, that is a noticable upgrade sound wise and quality wise. And of course that it should match the "level" of the Kandy K2-amp with the Dali ikon 6 mk2 speakers. My budget is around 500-700 USD. Living in sweden so can't be too picky, have to have a few models that I'm on the look for..

 

[RoA]

Thanks for the tip!
I currently have a rega planar 1, but been wanting to upgrade it for a while and the cartridge is pretty worn. I want to buy something vintage/second hand, that is a noticable upgrade sound wise and quality wise. And of course that it should match the "level" of the Kandy K2-amp with the Dali ikon 6 mk2 speakers. My budget is around 500-700 USD. Living in sweden so can't be too picky, have to have a few models that I'm on the look for..

A Rega P3 would make an obvious choice as would one of the lower level newer Technics DD. I'd stay away from Roksan's budget deck.

 

[Integralista]

Thanks for the tip!
I currently have a rega planar 1, but been wanting to upgrade it for a while and the cartridge is pretty worn. I want to buy something vintage/second hand, that is a noticable upgrade sound wise and quality wise. And of course that it should match the "level" of the Kandy K2-amp with the Dali ikon 6 mk2 speakers. My budget is around 500-700 USD. Living in sweden so can't be too picky, have to have a few models that I'm on the look for..

Hi, you have nice deck Planar 1. I recommend following: buy first good new cartridge for Planar 1. Something like their MM cartridge Rega Nd3 or Nd5. With Nd3 sound will better immediately. Nd5 is a good tip if you would like to upgrade your turntable. For example you can search for some nice used Rega Planar 3. For system like you have (with Roksan Kandy on it's way) is turntable like Rega Planar 3 optimum. In the range up to 1000 eur new one, it is the one to beat. Of course also good Project or Thorens decks are very good alternatives. BR.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks for the tip!
I currently have a rega planar 1, but been wanting to upgrade it for a while and the cartridge is pretty worn. I want to buy something vintage/second hand, that is a noticable upgrade sound wise and quality wise. And of course that it should match the "level" of the Kandy K2-amp with the Dali ikon 6 mk2 speakers. My budget is around 500-700 USD. Living in sweden so can't be too picky, have to have a few models that I'm on the look for..

Second hand turntables can be a nightmare if you cannot audition. Not sure what is available in Sweden and you are better off buying new if you are unsure about set-up.
Your Roksan internal phono preamp is probably better than your external one but try both and see for yourself.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks!

Another question - I'm planning to play quite a lot of vinyl on this amp. As I've understood it has a built in Pre-amp, I have a Rega Fono Mini A2D Mk2 for my current amp. I will of course listen and compare but still curious what you think, is it better to use the external, quite budget preamp, or is it better to use the built in preamp in the Kandy K2 for playing vinyl?

Sell the Rega fono.

 

[matthewpianist]

Don't waste money trying to upgrade the cartridge on the P1. It's a good entry-level turntable, but that's all it is, and it can only stretch so far. The P3 is considerably better, and is really an optimal point in the Rega range without going crazy. The new Technics models at a similar price are definitely also worth a look.

Secondhand turntables can be a nightmare, unless buying from a hi-fi shop that really understands them. Most sellers don't know how to pack them safely, they often need some servicing or repair to work optimally, and most of them cost as much in the end as buying an equivalent new model.

 

[Al ears]

Don't waste money trying to upgrade the cartridge on the P1. It's a good entry-level turntable, but that's all it is, and it can only stretch so far. The P3 is considerably better, and is really an optimal point in the Rega range without going crazy. The new Technics models at a similar price are definitely also worth a look.

Secondhand turntables can be a nightmare, unless buying from a hi-fi shop that really understands them. Most sellers don't know how to pack them safely, they often need some servicing or repair to work optimally, and most of them cost as much in the end as buying an equivalent new model.

True, note however that you will be restricted on cartridge choice whichever Rega deck you get without resorting to shims to adjust arm height / VTA.
That said the P3 is an excellent deck for the money, I owned an original Planar 3 at one time.

 

[matthewpianist]

If you get a P3 and want something other than a Rega cart, the Ortofon 2mr series is designed specifically to be used without shims. It's the same as the normal 2m cart series, but in a shallower body. The stylus is the same. I have a 2mr Red on my P3 and it works very well, though I may eventually switch up to a Blue stylus.

 

[Al ears]

These, apart from the usual Rega offerings are the only cartridges you can employ without shims.