Specific Amp for KEF LS50s

[Fujee]

Hi everyone,

So I bought a pair of KEF LS50s after months of deliberation, but now I need an amp good enough to drive them, my budget is around 600 to a maximum 1000 pounds, I will be using them in a fairly small room and will need a decent phono stage as I primarily play vinyl. I know they can be a little tricky to drive, or so I have heard.. to get their full potential. I've heard the Arcam A19 and thought it was a pretty good pairing, but the wattage seems a little on the limp side for these speakers?

Others I am considering are the Roksan Kandy K2, powerful though quite ugly looking imo. I was also looking at the Creek Evolution 50A which I like but still haven't heard.

Anyone who owns these speakers shed some light on their amps for these? So I can at least get some ballpark ideas and set up some demos if possible.

 

[Fujee]

Forgot to mention I was also looking at the Rega Elex R but I heard this is quite bright and might not pair well with the KEFs.

 

[BigH]

I did not buy the LS50s. But the amps I would seek out to audition would be the Croft Phono Integrated (check stereophile review with LS50), the Creek 50A and the Rega Elex-R. The Creek you will have to add the phono stage option. The Croft and Creek maybe difficult to audition. I never found Creek and Kef at same dealer. Whereabouts do you live?

 

[Philim]

I would look at a 2nd hand naim nait Xs or rega elicit r. If you prefer using a dealer try tom tom audio or naimly linn who specialise in this area. The Cambridge audio 851 offers value at this price. The Roksan I would avoid. It's a pretty unusual sound that sounds very thin. Not sure how it got 5 stars.

 

[CnoEvil]

I did not buy the LS50s. But the amps I would seek out to audition would be the Croft Phono Integrated (check stereophile review with LS50), the Creek 50A and the Rega Elex-R. The Creek you will have to add the phono stage option. The Croft and Creek maybe difficult to audition. I never found Creek and Kef at same dealer. Whereabouts do you live?

Agreed, but would also add Arcam A19 and MF M3si.

 

[antskip]

Forgot to mention I was also looking at the Rega Elex R but I heard this is quite bright and might not pair well with the KEFs.

I have the LS50's with a Rega Elex-R. Together they gives a beautiful detailed sound. They seem to really enjoy each other - but the more powerful Elicit-R should get even better results from the demanding LS50's - but at a much higher price.

 

[Reijer]

Take your LS50 to a hifi-shop and audition them with the amps the shop has. Then you know what you (dis)like. Reviews are nice but your own ears are better.....

 

[Fujee]

I think its between the ARCAM A19 and the Rega Elex R...

My only concern about the A19, is it enough to power these speakers well? I've heard KEF using Arcam A38 at shows and some people have recommmended the A19... is it enough though?

I REALLY like the look of the Rega Elex R, looks like a fine piece of equipment.. once the LS50s mellow out a bit I am sure this would be a great match. The only problem is it is knocking at the door of the top end of my budget. What is the phono stage like?

Decisions.. decisions...

 

[BigH]

I think its between the ARCAM A19 and the Rega Elex R...

My only concern about the A19, is it enough to power these speakers well? I've heard KEF using Arcam A38 at shows and some people have recommmended the A19... is it enough though?

I REALLY like the look of the Rega Elex R, looks like a fine piece of equipment.. once the LS50s mellow out a bit I am sure this would be a great match. The only problem is it is knocking at the door of the top end of my budget. What is the phono stage like?

Decisions.. decisions...

i think a lot comes down to your taste and sort music you like. Rega phono stage is good. A couple of people who bought the arc am found it too refined, which did also. Really you need to hear them everyone has different opinions.

 

[plastic penguin]

Think it'll also boil down to what genre of music you like. When I heard the LS50, the dealer had MA GX100s (Arcam A19), and although the Kefs were beautifully detailed, the MAs had the edge when it came to the more up tempo music.

As others have said, you'll need to hear some amps at first hand and decide which compromise will be the best.

 

[BigH]

Also I would not choose between 2, pick one you are really happy with, when you hear th e music and forget you are listening to hifi that is the time. For me the creek 50a was the closest but I never got to hear the Croft, for vinyl I would certaining try to hear it.

 

[BigH]

Also I would not choose between 2, pick one you are really happy with, when you hear th e music and forget you are listening to hifi that is the time. For me the creek 50a was the closest but I never got to hear the Croft, for vinyl I would certaining try to hear it.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi Fujee

Have you already got an amplifier? If so, what are you using please?

What source component/s will you be using?

What genre of music do you listen to?

Your general listening level?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[ChrisIRL]

Currently using an A19 with Kef LS50. Generally sounds very good, plenty of power in the A19 to drive the speakers. Sound quality doesn't change too much at high or low volumes. Very detailed combo and not too warm or not too bright. The problem for me is the sound is too refined and smooth bordering on dull. Great with acoustic or slower paced music but lacks excitement with rock,metal or electronic. It's not too bad but could be better I felt.

I too decided on an Elex r. Demo was very positive, retained the positives of the A19, soundstage, detail etc, but with much more bass weight and better punch. I wouldn't rule out a Brio r demo either, I enjoyed the demo and nicely within your budget too.

 

[Fujee]

I currently have the Marantz PM6005 amplifier.. paired with Concept 20 Speakers.. but now I am looking to make the jump up to a mid range set up. I have really enjoyed the budget system I have.. but now I have the hi fi bug, and after hearing a pair of LS50s I had to have them.. unfortunately the amp which I heard them with is out of my price range, hence this thread.

Source wise I have a Marantz CD5004 CD player, and the Project Debut Carbon turntable. I was planning on keeping the turntable in my new set up, but will eventually be upgrading my CD player to do justice to the other separates. Budget for the new CD player will be around the 800 pound mark.

I listen to a lot of different music, very rarely at high volume (I live in an upstars flat) so I want something agile, detailed and capable, but not overbearing and excitable. My taste is fairly eclectic I go for electronic, alternative/noise rock, prog, ambient, orchestral and jazz. Favourite groups include Boards of Canada, My Bloody Valentine, Stars of the Lid, William Basinski, John Coltrane and Charles Mingus. So as you can see, varied but each of those types of music have their nuances which good components bring out.

I really do like the look of the Elex R, there is a dealer close by so I will book a listening demo. My only concern is the alleged brightness of the Elex R, which might exacerbate the tonal qualities of the KEFs.

 

[davedotco]

Currently using an A19 with Kef LS50. Generally sounds very good, plenty of power in the A19 to drive the speakers. Sound quality doesn't change too much at high or low volumes. Very detailed combo and not too warm or not too bright. The problem for me is the sound is too refined and smooth bordering on dull. Great with acoustic or slower paced music but lacks excitement with rock,metal or electronic. It's not too bad but could be better I felt.

I too decided on an Elex r. Demo was very positive, retained the positives of the A19, soundstage, detail etc, but with much more bass weight and better punch. I wouldn't rule out a Brio r demo either, I enjoyed the demo and nicely within your budget too.

Just as Thompson predicted.

Have you tried overdriving the pre-amp?

*lol*

 

[Thompsonuxb]

I told you......

Currently using an A19 with Kef LS50. Generally sounds very good, plenty of power in the A19 to drive the speakers. Sound quality doesn't change too much at high or low volumes. Very detailed combo and not too warm or not too bright. The problem for me is the sound is too refined and smooth bordering on dull. Great with acoustic or slower paced music but lacks excitement with rock,metal or electronic. It's not too bad but could be better I felt.

I too decided on an Elex r. Demo was very positive, retained the positives of the A19, soundstage, detail etc, but with much more bass weight and better punch. I wouldn't rule out a Brio r demo either, I enjoyed the demo and nicely within your budget too.

Just as Thompson predicted.

Have you tried overdriving the pre-amp?

*lol*

 

[Vladimir]

It's sureal maaaaaaaaaaaaaaan.

 

[npoguy]

I've been driving my 50's with the UnitiQute2 for about 6 months now and love it. I know...I know...they recommend more power, but the combination has been terrific for me, plus I get the connectivty I need. For reference, I've used Parasound, NAD, Bel Canto, Van Alstine, Vincent Audio and a kit tube amp with them and so far I'm happiest with the little Qute2.

 

[ChrisIRL]

I told you......

Currently using an A19 with Kef LS50. Generally sounds very good, plenty of power in the A19 to drive the speakers. Sound quality doesn't change too much at high or low volumes. Very detailed combo and not too warm or not too bright. The problem for me is the sound is too refined and smooth bordering on dull. Great with acoustic or slower paced music but lacks excitement with rock,metal or electronic. It's not too bad but could be better I felt.

I too decided on an Elex r. Demo was very positive, retained the positives of the A19, soundstage, detail etc, but with much more bass weight and better punch. I wouldn't rule out a Brio r demo either, I enjoyed the demo and nicely within your budget too.

Just as Thompson predicted.

Have you tried overdriving the pre-amp?

*lol*

Anyone who does a bit of proper research knows the LS50s are regarded as needing a powerful amp to drive them well, I had been well warned of this in advance. The A19 does work well enough with them however, it would suit most people who hear it perfectly. The lack of punch and excitement also came through using the A19 with B&W 685 S2s which shouldn't be difficult speakers to drive. A Rega brio r demo gave the LS50s the extra lift that I was looking for despite it only being as powerful if not less so than the A19. Probably just coming down to a personal preference thing. How difficult the LS50s are to drive is being very exaggerated in my opinion having heard them with several amps during demos. Sure, maybe electronically they are not being driven to full potential, but if it sounds nice to the listener it sounds nice. When somebody doesn't like the sound of their amp with the LS50s, it might just be a personal preference thing and not because they blindly bought 5 star products without any thought or research. Demo and trust your own ears, advice regularly given on here.

 

[CnoEvil]

How difficult the LS50s are to drive is being very exaggerated in my opinion having heard them with several amps during demos.

IME. They have such potential, that it takes a great Amp to show what they are truly capable of...but they still sound good with more modest amplification....though they do need sturdy stands (correctly filled).

 

[nopiano]

How difficult the LS50s are to drive is being very exaggerated in my opinion having heard them with several amps during demos.

IME. They have such potential, that it takes a great Amp to show what they are truly capable of...but they still sound good with more modest amplification....though they do need sturdy stands (correctly filled).

Yes, that is the point, as Cno says. They seem to one of those speakers that keep getting better, whereas most have a fairly obvious and natural ceiling, beyond which it is money down the drain.

Recently a link was posted here to Sterophile's review with the little NAD D3020, though even that produces way more than its rated power. For many that might be quite enough, carefully matched and set up. Others will enjoy something much grander. What did you audition them with, as that may be a useful pointer?

For the OP, I wonder if you might divert some of your CDP budget to the amp, as that would make the most of your KEFs, unless you have a huge CD collection and no plans to stream.

 

[ChrisIRL]

How difficult the LS50s are to drive is being very exaggerated in my opinion having heard them with several amps during demos.

IME. They have such potential, that it takes a great Amp to show what they are truly capable of...but they still sound good with more modest amplification....though they do need sturdy stands (correctly filled).

Yes fully agree with you Cno, they can and do sound great with "lesser" amplification than that which would allow them to sound their best ( their "best" would still only be a matter of individual opinion). Amazing speakers really.

Some think however when somebody is unhappy with the sound of their LS50s it is because the amp they are using is clearly underpowered and they bought it purely based on star ratings.

By my electronic engineering calculations your ears are wrong.

 

[Fujee]

The Elex R looks to be perfectly capable watts wise to drive the KEFs and from hearing the good reviews, I think I have set my sights on this amp.. will confirm my thoughts after the demo. But from a purely electronic point of view they look to be of the right calabre to drive the speakers right?

I am excited to hear the combination after the good reviews it got in this thread!

CDP wise, I could divert some of my funds to the amp but I don't plan on buying the CDP for quite some time.. that was all hypothetical future purchases. This system is primarly for my vinyl, I may also be incorporating some kind of DAC for playing computer files.

 

[Esra]

How about Pioneer A70 and Yammi AS 1000?Would be interesting if you could compare these to the rega at your demo appointment.