Amplifiers to suit KEF R3 Meta speakers?

[Roog]

I am looking to streamline my hifi system, currently a rack with separates and bulky floor standing speakers and the KEF R3 Meta loudspeakers look quite attractive to me due to their lesser bulk!

I only use digital streaming and wondered whether tucking a couple of mono amps, one behind each speaker stand might be a neat solution,
I will have to find a home for my small streamer.
Anyone tried this and if so what amp would do the KEFs credit?

 

[plastic penguin]

I've only heard the previous model the R300. They are very big standmounts - incredibly deep. They also prefer an amp that's very open and airy, so try to avoid overly smooth or warm amps.

 

[twinkletoes]

Havn’t heard them so can’t give recommendations based on sound, however looking at there specs, something robust is needed.

Hagel or musical fidelity would be pretty high on that list mono block or not.

 

[davidf]

I've only heard the previous model the R300. They are very big standmounts - incredibly deep. They also prefer an amp that's very open and airy, so try to avoid overly smooth or warm amps.

The current R Series sounds a little different to the original R Series.

 

[plastic penguin]

The current R Series sounds a little different to the original R Series.

Hi David.

I hope they sound a little different, but I'm guessing it's not a huge difference in terms of tonal quality.

 

[nopiano]

Whilst it sounds good at first, to put a monoblock behind each speaker means running signal cables instead of speaker cables, plus mains power to each power amp. Essentially, more wiring!

You might find that works, but integrated amps are very popular for a reason, including being much simpler to wire up.

If you want a neat and tidy solution for streaming then a pair of the latest LS50 Wireless or LS60 with the same footprint are much neater. You don’t even need a streamer, just a smart phone or tablet as a remote control.

 

[plastic penguin]

Whilst it sounds good at first, to put a monoblock behind each speaker means running signal cables instead of speaker cables, plus mains power to each power amp. Essentially, more wiring!

You might find that works, but integrated amps are very popular for a reason, including being much simpler to wire up.

If you want a neat and tidy solution for streaming then a pair of the latest LS50 Wireless or LS60 with the same footprint are much neater. You don’t even need a streamer, just a smart phone or tablet as a remote control.

Going wireless or active sounds a sensible option to me. I wonder if the OP has explored other brands.

 

[Roog]

Whilst it sounds good at first, to put a monoblock behind each speaker means running signal cables instead of speaker cables, plus mains power to each power amp. Essentially, more wiring!

You might find that works, but integrated amps are very popular for a reason, including being much simpler to wire up.

If you want a neat and tidy solution for streaming then a pair of the latest LS50 Wireless or LS60 with the same footprint are much neater. You don’t even need a streamer, just a smart phone or tablet as a remote control.

Understood, the LS 60s are on my list, but I fear the slab sided profile may not suit my missus.

 

[Roog]

Havn’t heard them so can’t give recommendations based on sound, however looking at there specs, something robust is needed.

Hagel or musical fidelity would be pretty high on that list mono block or not.

Thanks you, I note that the declare the speaker as a nominally 4 ohm load, is that such a problem these days?
There do seem to be a lot of 4 ohm speakers new and old.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks you, I note that the declare the speaker as a nominally 4 ohm load, is that such a problem these days?
There do seem to be a lot of 4 ohm speakers new and old.

A 4ohm speaker should be an issue with most decent amplifiers.
However they do dip to 3.2ohm so an amp with decent current delivery is recommended.
A pair of mono amps plus required cabling might work out a tad expensive when a decent integrated amp could be had more cheaply.

 

[twinkletoes]

Thanks you, I note that the declare the speaker as a nominally 4 ohm load, is that such a problem these days?
There do seem to be a lot of 4 ohm speakers new and old.

As al ear’s has stated it’s the dip to 3ohms or so that may present a problem to some amps. Its just something to mindful of. It will come across as weak sounding bass or flat mids depending on where the load presents itself.

The amps don’t need be expensive just robust. Musical fidelity for instance affordable robust power same with rotel and audiolab