Amplifier for KEF LS50

[kpaterno]

Hello to all of you,

yesterday, I auditioned the LS50's for the first time and I must say, they really sounded terrific to me. Absolute fabulous soundstage, honest bass and very clean mids and highs. I have been looking around quite a long time to buy my first proper hifi-installation and I think these KEFs will form the cornerstone of it. I also auditioned Dynaudio excite X12 and X32, the Tannoy Revolution DC6(T) and some others, but, also given their price, the LS50's really stand out for me.

So now, I'm trying to find a decent amplifier for these speakers. In the demo, they were powered by the NAD C 390DD and, although I liked the synergy between both, I'm not entirely convinced by the 'Double Digital' concept, as I still prefer an analogue amp stage. Also, this amp is out of my budget, unfortunately.

So, here's my question: What amplifier of about £800 will do justice to these speakers? Justice meaning that it should highlight the strong points I mentioned.

Some info:

- I normally listen on average to loud volumes

- Music genres are quite varied; rock, pop, blues, jazz, classic, ...

- Room size will be at least 5 x 6 m (about 16 x 20 ft), but it's possible I place them in another, bigger, room.

- Main source is my mac (FLAC and Apple lossless formats), coupled to the Audioengine D1 DAC (temporarily; I will upgrade this DAC in a later stage)

For the moment, I'm thinking the Roksan Kandy K2 could be a great match, but as I live in Belgium and hifi isn't that available and widespread here, it's not that easy to have a listening session with this amp, comparing it to other alternatives. However, I would appreciate your input. Thanks!

 

[CnoEvil]

I would suggest:

- Musical Fidelity M3i

- Leema Pulse (keep an eye out for ones on offer)

 

[mpapo]

My HK 990 really does a fabulous job, but then again, haven't heard them with any other amp ...

 

[gregvet]

Would you consider second hand?

 

[Frank Harvey]

While some will prefer analogue amps, i feel the Class D Pioneer A70 drives them really well, and it's qualities mirror that of the LS50's - clean and precise. It also has an onboard DAC with a USB input too, which you can feed with your MAC. This is ideal if you want an all in one solution.

Similarly, the Rotel RA12 is also worth auditioning. This is a more conventional Class A/B design.

Alternatively, the Naim Nait 5i, the Kandy K2 (as you have mentioned), Audiolab 8200A, and the Marantz PM Ki Pearl Lite are worth trying.

 

[tonky]

I had a lengthyish session listening to them with a pearl lite and then a Kandy K2 (audiolab 8200 cdp)

I preferred the pearl lite - it sounded wonderful. The K2 was good but did not "hit the spot" in the same way.

cheers - tonky

 

[theo12]

While some will prefer analogue amps, i feel the Class D Pioneer A70 drives them really well, and it's qualities mirror that of the LS50's - clean and precise. It also has an onboard DAC with a USB input too, which you can feed with your MAC. This is ideal if you want an all in one solution.

Similarly, the Rotel RA12 is also worth auditioning. This is a more conventional Class A/B design.

Alternatively, the Naim Nait 5i, the Kandy K2 (as you have mentioned), Audiolab 8200A, and the Marantz PM Ki Pearl Lite are worth trying.

David,

have you had a chance to put some 24 bit files through the A70/LS50 combo? I know lots has been said about higher res files but would like to know how the combo goes and is there an uplift using 24/96 as a source.

A bit green with envy that you have these two together must be fun

Theo12

 

[hoopsontoast]

If you dont mind second hand, something like a Denon PMA-2000AE might work well, and well under budget.

 

[Frank Harvey]

David,

have you had a chance to put some 24 bit files through the A70/LS50 combo? I know lots has been said about higher res files but would like to know how the combo goes and is there an uplift using 24/96 as a source.

A bit green with envy that you have these two together must be fun

Theo12

i haven't actually. I don't have any SACD's as most of the music available isn't really to my taste, and I'm not one to buy/download music im not interested in just because it is 24bit.

 

[The_Lhc]

While some will prefer analogue amps, i feel the Class D Pioneer A70 drives them really well, and it's qualities mirror that of the LS50's - clean and precise. It also has an onboard DAC with a USB input too, which you can feed with your MAC. This is ideal if you want an all in one solution.

Similarly, the Rotel RA12 is also worth auditioning. This is a more conventional Class A/B design.

Alternatively, the Naim Nait 5i, the Kandy K2 (as you have mentioned), Audiolab 8200A, and the Marantz PM Ki Pearl Lite are worth trying.

Morning David, might one draw your attention to the thread asking about stands for the LS50? Specifically my question, obviously!

 

[Frank Harvey]

I'll have a look now - just doing my forum rounds at the moment - I'm a little late today as I'm off work and not back in until Friday

 

[Electro]

You could try a second hand Electrocompaniet Eci3 integrated amp

KEF use Electrocompaniet amps to develop, test, and demonstrate their speakers so in theory it will be a perfect match .

You might get lucky with this one that is for sale at the moment .

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ELECTROCOMPANIET-ECI-3-HIGH-PERFORMANCE-FULLY-BALANCED-AMP-/230870558160?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item35c0f525d0

 

[Frank Harvey]

I may be wrong on this, and if Jack is reading this he can correct me, but the current crop of KEF's that have been developed haven't necessarily been developed with Electrocompaniet. They do use them at shows (along with Marantz), but the speaker's design goal doesn't necessitate an amp being present until the listening stages. For most of the development, I doubt very much that amplifiers were actually used.

I think the Marantz and Electrocompaniet thing is just a preference

 

[Electro]

I may be wrong on this, and if Jack is reading this he can correct me, but the current crop of KEF's that have been developed haven't necessarily been developed with Electrocompaniet. They do use them at shows (along with Marantz), but the speaker's design goal doesn't necessitate an amp being present until the listening stages. For most of the development, I doubt very much that amplifiers were actually used.

I think the Marantz and Electrocompaniet thing is just a preference

You may well be correct but Electrocompaniet say this in the professional section of their website so I am only repeating it, I have no personal inside knowledge .

'Quote'

"The British speaker manufacturer
KEF has been using equipment from
Electrocompaniet when introducing
several of their “top of the line”
speakers. They also rely on amplifiers
from Electrocompaniet during their
development work at the factory in
Maidstone, UK. "

Apparently Bösendorfer also do the same .

http://www.electrocompaniet.no/opencms/images/news/Proff_R5_Eng_small.pdf

 

[kpaterno]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions! I think I might plan a trip to the UK to audition some of these amps.

Another question: are these speakers sensible to large temperature fluctuations? My house isn't well isolated and temperature drops to about 5°C during winter nights. Is this particularly harmful for these speakers?

 

[Anonymous]

In Hifi Choice when they reviewed the R700 I'm sure there's a bit from a KEF rep on this very issue.

 

[Anonymous]

I looked it up, in the July 12 issue they said they use Electrocompaniet (Nemo monoblocks with a EC4.8 pre amp) but they go on to say that also use Arcam A38 with the CD37.

 

[Electro]

I looked it up, in the July 12 issue they said they use Electrocompaniet (Nemo monoblocks with a EC4.8 pre amp) but they go on to say that also use Arcam A38 with the CD37.

Yes here is a link to the review.

http://www.kef.com/uploads/files/en/review/R700_HFC_0712.pdf

The relevant section is in a Q&A sidebar labelled . What cables and hardware do you use for R&D listening ?

 

[The_Real_Malcolm_Tucker]

I've just made the post below in a different thread but this one looks more appropriate. Apologies for the duplication....

I heard a pair of LS50s the other day and they certainly live up to the reviews and awards they've been winning.

There is a one week old pair being advertised on another forum (with AV in the title..) for only £675. I wish I had the money at the moment to snap these up - damn recession!!

Hopefully I'll be able to find a nearly new pair for the same sort of money in the future as I reckon these would be the perfect match for my Naim Nait XS. amp Has anyone had any experience of the LS50s with an XS amp?

I need these baby kefs in my life!!

 

[sspfr]

I have the Benchmark DAC1 PRE for my FLACs and Spotify which I currently listen on my Grado PS1000. Got very intrigued by the KEF LS50 for when headphones are not suitable and went to a local shop to listen to them. Unfortunately the sales guy plugged them into a cheap all-in-one Denon CD deck on a shop floor. While they sound well, in a busy shop it is hard to draw any conclusions especially when the source is somewhat unclear.

I presume I do not need an integrated amp since I have the Benchmark as a pre-amp. Could someone suggest a few power amps to test that would get the best out of the KEFs but would not be an "overkill". The most recent Stereophile edition tested them with Classe CT-M600 ($13,000) and Lamm M1.2 Reference ($23,890) which does not strike me as the natural choice for £800 pair of even very good speakers.

Any ideas would be great.

Simon

 

[gregvet]

I would suggest a second hand X power (Cyrus). They can be picked up for £500 in good condition, and are a really good stereo power amp. If you dont like it, you will get your money back easily. Lots of people really liek the Cyrus Kef combo, but everyone is different.

Alternatively you could try one of the new Audiolab power amps, although Im not personally a fan.

Another option would be an arcam power amp such as this one.

 

[CnoEvil]

I presume I do not need an integrated amp since I have the Benchmark as a pre-amp. Could someone suggest a few power amps to test that would get the best out of the KEFs but would not be an "overkill". The most recent Stereophile edition tested them with Classe CT-M600 ($13,000) and Lamm M1.2 Reference ($23,890) which does not strike me as the natural choice for £800 pair of even very good speakers.

Any ideas would be great.

Simon

Hi Simon and welcome to the forum.

What sort of budget did you have in mind, and what brands have you heard and liked?....failing that, what sort of sound do you like ie. smooth but detailed or brighter and more forward?

 

[csq2]

The NAD 390DD is an excellent amp and I suggest you get it for the LS50s. It is one of the best I've heard in that price range. Both MF M3i and Roksan K2 are too DARK sounding and less resolving for my tastes.

Other suggestions:

-Exposure 2010S2

-Hegel H70

-Hegel H100

-Perreaux Audiant 80i

-Onkyo A-9070 (which I currently use)

 

[sspfr]

Hi Simon and welcome to the forum.

What sort of budget did you have in mind, and what brands have you heard and liked?....failing that, what sort of sound do you like ie. smooth but detailed or brighter and more forward?

Thank you, gregvet, for your suggestions. Added to the list.

CnoEvil, many thanks for the welcome. The Benchmark with Grados sounds really great and I would probably describe the resulting sound as smooth and detailed. Believing in diminishing returns based on other components I thought my budget should be within £2,000 but happy to shrink or stretch a bit depending on what people think is sensible. Maybe the £800 on the KEFs is a bit distorting the analysis given that they are meant to sound like more expensive speakers.

Many thanks again to the contributors,

 

[CnoEvil]

Thank you, gregvet, for your suggestions. Added to the list.

CnoEvil, many thanks for the welcome. The Benchmark with Grados sounds really great and I would probably describe the resulting sound as smooth and detailed. Believing in diminishing returns based on other components I thought my budget should be within £2,000 but happy to shrink or stretch a bit depending on what people think is sensible. Maybe the £800 on the KEFs is a bit distorting the analysis given that they are meant to sound like more expensive speakers.

Many thanks again to the contributors,

I would throw out the following suggestions:

Bel Canto power amp as seen here (you'd need to see which would give best VFM) - http://www.kronosav.com/products#!/~/search/keywords=bel%20canto%20power%20amp&offset=0&sort=relevance

eg. Ref 150S or Ref 500S

Denson B-320 Plus