Amplification Kef 207/2

[frogfish]

Now that I am a lucky owner of the 207/2, I am starting to investigate suitable amplification - My thoughts are to get a power amp and use my Weiss DAC202 as pre-amp. CnoEvil kindly provided an initial list of suggested amps:

- Sugden MPA-4 Monos

- Electrocopmpaniet AW250R

- MCIntosh MC275

- Audio Analogue Maestro Duecento SE integrated

- Plinius SA103

- Classe CA2300

I started looking around, and found a fairly attractive deal on Plinius SB-300 - Any feedback on this amp ?

Let me know if you have any additional suggestions/ feedback with amplification for those Kef.

Thanks !

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Now that I am a lucky owner of the 207/2, I am starting to investigate suitable amplification - My thoughts are to get a power amp and use my Weiss DAC202 as pre-amp. CnoEvil kindly provided an initial list of suggested amps:

- Sugden MPA-4 Monos

- Electrocopmpaniet AW250R

- MCIntosh MC275

- Audio Analogue Maestro Duecento SE integrated

- Plinius SA103

- Classe CA2300

I started looking around, and found a fairly attractive deal on Plinius SB-300 - Any feedback on this amp ?

Let me know if you have any additional suggestions/ feedback with amplification for those Kef.

Thanks !

Hi frogfish

I've found KEF Reference speakers to work particularly well with Plinius and Chord electronics amplification :rockout:

Btw, what is your maximum budget for power amplication and how much is the Plinius SB-300 available for please?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[hoopsontoast]

My guess is Dave (FrankHarveyHifi) will be along soon, and recommend Bryston :rofl:

He owned a pair so he should be able to help

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

We run our 207's on the Plinius with good results - I certainly prefer it to the Electrocompaniet - but the 207s will work well with any good amplification. I have a customer with the Plinius SB103 and 207s and the combination certainly works.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Now that I am a lucky owner of the 207/2, I am starting to investigate suitable amplification - My thoughts are to get a power amp and use my Weiss DAC202 as pre-amp. CnoEvil kindly provided an initial list of suggested amps:

- Sugden MPA-4 Monos

- Electrocopmpaniet AW250R

- MCIntosh MC275

- Audio Analogue Maestro Duecento SE integrated

- Plinius SA103

- Classe CA2300

I started looking around, and found a fairly attractive deal on Plinius SB-300 - Any feedback on this amp ?

Let me know if you have any additional suggestions/ feedback with amplification for those Kef.

Thanks !

I can't say I'm familiar with enough of those suggestions to be able to make an informed recommendation, but all should work well, and all should be able to drive them, as they're pretty efficient - they just need to be stable at 4ohms.

The Classe amplifier will work well. It's the rough equivalent of the Bryston 4Bsst2 (one of my favourite power amplifiers), which also works well. Both will have enough power and will drive the 207's no problem, but having power is only part of the story. While the 4Bsst2 is a great partner to the 205/2's, I felt it didn't quite have enough for the 207's to spread their wings and be what they are capable of being.

Now the 7Bsst2 monoblocks are another matter. They're effectively a monoblocked 4Bsst2 per channel. These really do make the 207's sing and give them the headroom that they're capable of reproducing. I've always like the Bryston/KEF Reference combination, as they both share similar characteristics. Both are just effortless, and don't change their characteristicsas they're turned up, even when they're nearing their limits. Everything stays tight, smooth,and controlled. If you want something to drive the 207's properly but can't afford them, hear them with these mono amps, then find something as close as possible.

I have no doubt that there may be some power amps that will provide the same quality as the Bryston for less money, but very few, if any, will match their effortless power. basically, if they don't sound like they look, the amps not doing it's job properly.

🙂

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi frogfish

Krell's FPB300 and FPB600 :twisted: are also worth consideration 🙂 I was looking at my FPB600 when i made my initial post and yet these amps still slipped my mind :doh:

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Electro]

Electrocompaniet amplifiers were used in the development of the KEF reference series and the KEF Blades and are often used by KEF to demonstrate them so the AW 250 should be a perfect match judging by KEF' s choice 🙂 but my recommendation would be a pair of Electrocompaniet AW180 monoblocks.

http://www.audiohigh.com/about-us/products/kef-blade

http://www.electrocompaniet.no/products/classic/poweramp/AW180.html

Or if you feel that you need some more power then the ultimate would be the Electrocompaniet Nemo monoblocks.

600W into 8 ohms and 1200w into 4 ohms >)

http://www.electrocompaniet.no/products/classic/poweramp/nemo.html

 

[frogfish]

Hi frogfish

I've found KEF Reference speakers to work particularly well with Plinius and Chord electronics amplification :rockout:

Btw, what is your maximum budget for power amplication and how much is the Plinius SB-300 available for please?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

I haven't set a budget yet (but obviously the less I spend the better) - Quotes I got for Plinius, converted into pounds are:

- SA103: 3800

- SB301: 4200

Any opinion in which one would work best ?

 

[frogfish]

We run our 207's on the Plinius with good results - I certainly prefer it to the Electrocompaniet - but the 207s will work well with any good amplification. I have a customer with the Plinius SB103 and 207s and the combination certainly works.

Which Plinius would you recommend ? I googled SB103 but could not find it.

 

[frogfish]

Electrocompaniet amplifiers were used in the development of the KEF reference series and the KEF Blades and are often used by KEF to demonstrate them so the AW 250 should be a perfect match judging by KEF' s choice 🙂 but my recommendation would be a pair of Electrocompaniet AW180 monoblocks.

http://www.audiohigh.com/about-us/products/kef-blade

http://www.electrocompaniet.no/products/classic/poweramp/AW180.html

Or if you feel that you need some more power then the ultimate would be the Electrocompaniet Nemo monoblocks.

600W into 8 ohms and 1200w into 4 ohms >)

http://www.electrocompaniet.no/products/classic/poweramp/nemo.html

Yes I read the same about Kef using Electrocompaniet. On A French forum, some apparently asked Kef what amplification they recommended, and they responded the Nemos for 207s and the AW 250 for the 205s...

 

[frogfish]

I can't say I'm familiar with enough of those suggestions to be able to make an informed recommendation, but all should work well, and all should be able to drive them, as they're pretty efficient - they just need to be stable at 4ohms.

The Classe amplifier will work well. It's the rough equivalent of the Bryston 4Bsst2 (one of my favourite power amplifiers), which also works well. Both will have enough power and will drive the 207's no problem, but having power is only part of the story. While the 4Bsst2 is a great partner to the 205/2's, I felt it didn't quite have enough for the 207's to spread their wings and be what they are capable of being.

Now the 7Bsst2 monoblocks are another matter. They're effectively a monoblocked 4Bsst2 per channel. These really do make the 207's sing and give them the headroom that they're capable of reproducing. I've always like the Bryston/KEF Reference combination, as they both share similar characteristics. Both are just effortless, and don't change their characteristicsas they're turned up, even when they're nearing their limits. Everything stays tight, smooth,and controlled. If you want something to drive the 207's properly but can't afford them, hear them with these mono amps, then find something as close as possible.

I have no doubt that there may be some power amps that will provide the same quality as the Bryston for less money, but very few, if any, will match their effortless power. basically, if they don't sound like they look, the amps not doing it's job properly.

🙂

You had already been guessed as favoring Bryston 🙂 I will also add them to the list (not sure how much they sell), although I read a not too positive review from a well known American publication

 

[Frank Harvey]

You had already been guessed as favoring Bryston 🙂 I will also add them to the list (not sure how much they sell), although I read a not too positive review from a well known American publication

Rob knows me too well 🙂

I haven't read anything negative about Bryston personally, but then, I tend to rely on my own listening sessions and comparing stuff to tell me what I need to know. I don't need a reviewer to tell me what sounds good. If a reviewer gave a scathing review of a 4Bsst2 tomorrow, I'd still buy one. Reviews are just opinions, same as mine, same as yours, and they're all relevant.

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

We run our 207's on the Plinius with good results - I certainly prefer it to the Electrocompaniet - but the 207s will work well with any good amplification. I have a customer with the Plinius SB103 and 207s and the combination certainly works.

Which Plinius would you recommend ? I googled SB103 but could not find it.

We run our set on an Odeon as it has 6 x 200w mono's in it. To my mind this is a better option than the Nemo's - although you can hear the power they dont have the grip and pace that the Plinius has. It is all very personal though and an auditon is the best plan.

 

[CnoEvil]

I did warn you about the temptation lurking around the corner!!

I may be stating the obvious, but this is a very big decision, and so don't be tempted into rushing things, or buying the first thing that sounds great....as all the suggestions will sound great, but all will sound different. The other thing at this level, is everyone who is familiar with these speakers will have their own favorite amplification.

In case it may be of interest, I would have the following observations:

- The fact that you bought the Sugden tells me that you probably should be looking at an amp with a Class A gnome.

- The choice of the Weiss, also points to the fact that you value emotion and musicality over a more clinical presentation.

- You might like to consider benchmarking an amp with which to judge others against....which should probably be the Sugden Monos (as you like the sound), if available. If a superior amp appears, it becomes the new benchmark.

- The Class A amps are.....Sugden; Musical Fidelity AMS; Plinius SA103; AA Maestro Duecento SE.

- Tube Amp for a more lush sound.....McIntosh MC275 (bridged to give 150W into 2,4 or 8 Ohms

- SS Amps with an organic/analogue sound.....Classe and Electro

- SS Amp....Bryston. David is much more familiar, but I think you will find this very clean, powerful and neutral, but a touch cooler than the above amps.

.....Chord is also recommended by Kef (along with Electro) as a good match, has a strong following, but for my taste is too forward and clinical.....but this isn't about my taste.

Given everyone else has put forward their favorites, I will do the same....and there is no surprises here ie. MF AMS 50 (or the cheaper 35P). The 35P will (does) sound great with the 205/2s, but in the above elitist company the AMS 50 would be better.

I look forward to your findings

Cno

 

[frogfish]

I did warn you about the temptation lurking around the corner!!

I may be stating the obvious, but this is a very big decision, and so don't be tempted into rushing things, or buying the first thing that sounds great....as all the suggestions will sound great, but all will sound different. The other thing at this level, is everyone who is familiar with these speakers will have their own favorite amplification.

In case it may be of interest, I would have the following observations:

- The fact that you bought the Sugden tells me that you probably should be looking at an amp with a Class A gnome.

- The choice of the Weiss, also points to the fact that you value emotion and musicality over a more clinical presentation.

- You might like to consider benchmarking an amp with which to judge others against....which should probably be the Sugden Monos (as you like the sound), if available. If a superior amp appears, it becomes the new benchmark.

- The Class A amps are.....Sugden; Musical Fidelity AMS; Plinius SA103; AA Maestro Duecento SE.

- Tube Amp for a more lush sound.....McIntosh MC275 (bridged to give 150W into 2,4 or 8 Ohms

- SS Amps with an organic/analogue sound.....Classe and Electro

- SS Amp....Bryston. David is much more familiar, but I think you will find this very clean, powerful and neutral, but a touch cooler than the above amps.

.....Chord is also recommended by Kef (along with Electro) as a good match, has a strong following, but for my taste is too forward and clinical.....but this isn't about my taste.

Given everyone else has put forward their favorites, I will do the same....and there is no surprises here ie. MF AMS 50 (or the cheaper 35P). The 35P will (does) sound great with the 205/2s, but in the above elitist company the AMS 50 would be better.

I look forward to your findings

Cno

Yes you did warn me, and I knew you were right (even though I chose to ignore)...

Thanks for the sound advice 🙂

I am still figuring out the approach as many dealers here in Singapore refuse to lend equipment for home trial; so I can even make a bet based on research (particularly if I go second hand), or just short list those amps that I can get on home trial... The obvious other variable is that some of the models are significantly more expensive than others - We'll see how it goes...

Cheers

 

[CnoEvil]

If possible, can you let us know what's readily available where you live....especially brands that are better value in Singapore.

Nb. The Audio Analogue Class A power amp should have been the Class SE Power (not the Duescento).

 

[frogfish]

If possible, can you let us know what's readily available where you live....especially brands that are better value in Singapore.

Nb. The Audio Analogue Class A power amp should have been the Class SE Power (not the Duescento).

Everything is available, but the service varies hugely... Some distributors do not entertain home trials (e.g. Plinius, MF), others charge very high fees, and some are happy to lend equipment. There is little competition as in general a shop will have exclusive distribution rights for a brand.

As a starting point I am getting the Sugden monoblocks this week-end on home trial.

I assume that these should provide plenty of power... Will be interesting as I know the Sugden sonic signature very well

 

[CnoEvil]

Everything is available, but the service varies hugely... Some distributors do not entertain home trials (e.g. Plinius, MF), others charge very high fees, and some are happy to lend equipment. There is little competition as in general a shop will have exclusive distribution rights for a brand.

As a starting point I am getting the Sugden monoblocks this week-end on home trial.

I assume that these should provide plenty of power... Will be interesting as I know the Sugden sonic signature very well

Wow, that should be a wonderful sound, that will have the same presentation as you have atm, just much, much better.....what a good starting point. If I was you, I'd take detailed notes that can be referred to if you go through any other demos.

As for power, they give 330W into 4 Ohms according to SuperGalloot, who is thrilled with his, driving Proac D38s.

Looking forward to your findings

Cno

 

[Macspur]

Everything is available, but the service varies hugely... Some distributors do not entertain home trials (e.g. Plinius, MF), others charge very high fees, and some are happy to lend equipment. There is little competition as in general a shop will have exclusive distribution rights for a brand.

As a starting point I am getting the Sugden monoblocks this week-end on home trial.

I assume that these should provide plenty of power... Will be interesting as I know the Sugden sonic signature very well

Wow, that should be a wonderful sound, that will have the same presentation as you have atm, just much, much better.....what a good starting point. If I was you, I'd take detailed notes that can be referred to if you go through any other demos.

As for power, they give 330W into 4 Ohms according to SuperGalloot, who is thrilled with his, driving Proac D38s.

Looking forward to your findings

Cno

Me too!

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi frogfish

I've found KEF Reference speakers to work particularly well with Plinius and Chord electronics amplification :rockout:

Btw, what is your maximum budget for power amplication and how much is the Plinius SB-300 available for please?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

I haven't set a budget yet (but obviously the less I spend the better) - Quotes I got for Plinius, converted into pounds are:

- SA103: 3800

- SB301: 4200

Any opinion in which one would work best ?

Hi frogfish

Thanks for your reply.

At this price the SB-301.

Btw, if your budget allows then also look at the SA-Reference.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[kungula]

the KEF 207 even works rather well with some valve amplification ( Pathos Inpol Remix or Unison Simply Italy ) if you do not want to increase the volume to disco levels.

 

[Frank Harvey]

They're very efficient at 91dB, it's just that they need amplification that's stable down to 3ohms. But they do need plenty of grip and control though i order to get the best from them.

 

[frogfish]

Rick,

Unfortunately I can't arrange for a home trial of Plinius here, so that brand is out.

Thanks for the response

 

[acalex]

Rick,

Unfortunately I can't arrange for a home trial of Plinius here, so that brand is out.

Thanks for the response

Did you get the Sudgen monoblocks already? If so what do you think?

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Rick,

Unfortunately I can't arrange for a home trial of Plinius here, so that brand is out.

Thanks for the response

Hi frogfish

Your welcome.

So what brands are availbale for home demo?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft