Stereo amp for Kef LS50 - Rotel / Musical Fidelity / Creek

[Holtman]

Hi,

I own KEF LS50 currently attached to Denon 3805 Reciever + Kef 2001PSW.
I'm looking to upgrade my Denon 3805 to a stereo amplifier.
Currently, I have 3 options for 2nd hand amps ~$500:
1. Musical Fidelity m2si
2. Rotel RA-1062
3. Creek Evolution 50a

What is the best option overall for this setup?
I'm open to hearing other amps as well.
Thanks

 

[SteveR750]

Yamaha A-s501 or 701? Lots of watts, build quality and traditional Japanese appearance.

 

[plastic penguin]

Hi,

I own KEF LS50 currently attached to Denon 3805 Reciever + Kef 2001PSW.
I'm looking to upgrade my Denon 3805 to a stereo amplifier.
Currently, I have 3 options for 2nd hand amps ~$500:
1. Musical Fidelity m2si
2. Rotel RA-1062
3. Creek Evolution 50a

What is the best option overall for this setup?
I'm open to hearing other amps as well.
Thanks

Having demoed the original LS50s, they'll work best with a midrange Marantz, Yamaha (not the 501, as that tends to be too lively), Arcam FMJ 39 or one of the Roksan Kandys (MK3, L3 or K2).

Older Creeks should also be fine, such as Evo 2.

 

[Al ears]

I'd choose the Rotel out of that list having had one in the past.

 

[Holtman]

Having demoed the original LS50s, they'll work best with a midrange Marantz, Yamaha (not the 501, as that tends to be too lively), Arcam FMJ 39 or one of the Roksan Kandys (MK3, L3 or K2).

Older Creeks should also be fine, such as Evo 2.

I might be able to reach out to Creek Evo 2 / Naim nait 3 / Linn Majik 2nd hand same price tag - these should be a better fit?

 

[plastic penguin]

I might be able to reach out to Creek Evo 2 / Naim nait 3 / Linn Majik 2nd hand same price tag - these should be a better fit?

Not Naim. These older Naims are way too bright, as the KEFs have a lively presentation.

Not heard Linn stuff.

Musical Fidelity should be fine as will higher end NADs, such as the 370

Are you located in the US?

 

[Holtman]

Not Naim. These older Naims are way too bright, as the KEFs have a lively presentation.

Not heard Linn stuff.

Musical Fidelity should be fine as will higher end NADs, such as the 370

Are you located in the US?

Unfortunately not, located in Europe..
In your opinion Creek Evo 2 should be a good match? I can buy it ~$500

 

[Al ears]

Unfortunately not, located in Europe..
In your opinion Creek Evo 2 should be a good match? I can buy it ~$500

Should be a very good choice assuming bit is in excellent condition, it was £680 when it first came out so maybe a bit overpriced ......
It will depend on what your sources are likely to be as well

 

[Stuart.W.D]

I have my Kef Ls50's paired with a Marantz PM8005 amplifier. Other brands that fit well with the LS50 are Hegel, Rega, Arcam, and Nad amplifiers!

 

[plastic penguin]

Unfortunately not, located in Europe..
In your opinion Creek Evo 2 should be a good match? I can buy it ~$500

Okay, just wondered why you are using Dollars and not Euros or pounds.

I would suggest the Creek Evo 2 should be a good match. Plenty of grunt at 85 watts per channel and presentation is on the smoother side of neutral.

Can be picked up for peanuts on the second hand market. It's a fab amp as long as you don't have a turntable -- no built-in phono stage. I almost purchased one years ago, but the phono module took it way over my then budget.

 

[record_spot]

If I was going for the passive LS50, I'd want an amp or pre/poweramp with ample power and good damping control. I don't think you'll find that south of £1000 in a hurry. Maybe used, but not new.

 

[Holtman]

What do you think about Focal 918 as a replacement for the KEFs?

 

[Al ears]

What do you think about Focal 918 as a replacement for the KEFs?

I would doubt many on the forum will have heard these and certainly not in your listening room.
They are certainly worth auditioning if you can possibly do that.