Ayre or CJ With Vienna Acoustics Kiss


Hi

Am using Vienna Acoustics Kiss speakers with Krell FPB 200c power amp and Cary SLP 05 pre.

Have dibs on Ayre MX-R or Conrad Johnson LP 125 sa with ET 5 pre.

If I swap out the Krell for the Ayre MX R's, I'll keep the Cary SLP 05 pre but am unsure if it's a good match.

I've always liked the Conrad Johnson sound but am unsure if it's enough wally for the VA Kiss.

Any experienced feedback much appreciated.
mikey8811

Showing 1 response by almarg

I would add to ZD's good comments, and to your concern (which I share) about the adequacy for your speakers of the 125W into 4 ohm power capability of the CJ amp, that I suspect the impedance characteristics of your speakers (shown in Figure 1 here) would most likely result in poor tonal balance in combination with the CJ's probably high output impedance.

I couldn't find output impedance specs, or alternatively damping factor specs, on the LP125sa amp. (Output impedance is inversely proportional to damping factor). But if its output impedance is anything like the 2 ohm or more output impedance of the LP125M (although that is admittedly a significantly different design), interaction of that output impedance with the huge rise in speaker impedance from close to 4 ohms at many frequencies to well above 20 ohms in the upper mid-range and lower treble areas, will result in a considerable over-emphasis of the upper mid-range and lower treble relative to the response that would result with nearly all solid state amps. Including the one you presently have.

So unless you have been sensing an under-emphasis of that part of the spectrum with your present amp, or there is reason to believe that the output impedance of the LP125sa is much lower than that of the LP125M (corresponding to a considerably higher damping factor) I would avoid the CJ.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al