Help on choosing a amp for Dali Helikon 400 mk1


I am looking to spend $3500 on a used SS amp . I listen to Jazz on vinyl mostly, rock on vinyl and CD.My pre is a BAT vk 31.Room size 25'x16'

I appreciate you're feedback, thank you!
marcval

Showing 2 responses by 1graber2

Ive had a pair of Helicon 400s for almost a couple years now. I have used a Simaudio Equinox SE CDP with a BAT 300x SE (6H30 tubes and BAT-PAK) with excellent results. I tried the pre-out of the 300x SE with a VK 220 w/BAT-PAK (125 wpc) and wasnt too impressed. It wasnt bad, its just that the 300x SE bested it, and made me realize how good this integrated is. I have also heard that the BAT 250 is substantially better than the 220 even w/BAT-PAK. I see the BAT 250 used on Agon for $3000-3500. I bet it would be a great combo. My last 2cents is that the VK 31 with powerful SS like a Simaudio would probably be quite good. Simaudio is known for its detail and strong but taught bottem end, which could really highlight not only the jazz you admire, but rock on vinyl, and accentuate and round out the pluses of the VK 31. Im thinking the Simauaio Moon w-5 for a/b $2400 used (190 wpc, which easily translates to 250+ wpc in other brands). I have listened to the Helicon 400s also with Simaudio I-3SE (100 wpc) and I-5SE (a/b 75 wpc) and was still impressed. Word.
Marcval, I agree that sometimes the upper end can get bright (even with my BAT 300SE: tube pre and SS amp), but was able to tone it down with cable choices, mostly just the interconnects.

Ironically, the brightness also increased when I invested in a Shunyata Taipan Helix VX, when plugged into my integrated amp.
However, when I plugged the Shunyata into my CDP instead, and plugged the Nordost El Dorado into my integrated, the problem was solved.

How is the bottom end with the Prologue 7 monos and Dali's? What interconnects, powercords, and speaker cables are you using?
Gary