2. amps-preamps
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Integrated to go with KEF LS50

I am looking for a good integrated amp to pair with KEF LS50 speakers and
Dynaudio X32 speakers. I have Primaluna separates that are 45 or so watts per
channel) but sometimes want to just go in and fire up the old stereo and start
listening instead of warm up time etc. My Primaluna sounds great with the
majority of my music (acoustic, folk, jazz) but sometimes I would like to play
some King Crimson of something harder or not so well recorded. Any
recommendation on an integrated amp (I only have one shelf available) that would
work. Both of these speakers are around 86 db so more power would be great. I am
trying to keep it in the 2000.00 or less price range for new or used. I mainly
listen to cds through a Marantz 6005 cd player. Would an integrated be a smart
move. New to the site and saw so much for sale by members I just thought I would
ask. Any help or advice would be much appreciated. I am in Oklahoma so not much
chance of listening in any stores. Open to offers from members with equipment
for sale. Thanks.
128x128dylanfan
yyzsantabarbara
4,524 posts
 
Another option, instead of an integrated, that I use for my office setup is the Benchmark DAC2. This unit can be used as a digital pre-amp. That is you can plug your CD player, computer, and other digital inputs into it. It also has an analog input for something like an analog Tuner. The output of the DAC goes directly into a amp. I am using the Parasound A23 amp ($900 new, I paid $500 on eBay). This amp is what KEF has been demoing the KEF LS50 speakers with at shows. It sounds great, stunning if you consider the price. My amps are connected to my LS50 with Audience conductor speaker wires (I think that is the name). I got those on A'Gon for about $150. All this can be done USED for under $2000 from A'Gon or eBay (excluding the LS50's).

The volume control is on the DAC2. Just like an integrated.

There are many other DACs that you can configure the same setup. I plan on buying the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC for my main living room system to pair with KEF Blades later in the year.
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
138 posts
 
Thanks Yyzsantabarbara for the info. I have a Emotiva XDA-2 DAC and don't care too much for the sound. Too bright. I wonder how a Benchmark DAC2 would sound with my Primaluna Dialogue 5 Power Amp? Use the Benchmark as the preamp coupled with the Primaluna.
drezz1
1 posts
 
I just went through this decision process.

I have KEF LS50 and paired them with Parasound P5 and Parasound A23 amp. Its a nice combo for the price and confirmed that KEF uses in their show demos.

I also had a chance to try NAD 375BEE with the speakers.

The main differences, the NAD has a lot of low end power. Its amazing how much bass the LS50s can produce with the NAD amp. However, I found the resolution and "openness" of the sound to be better with the Parasound gear.

I was adding a sub and so decided to stick with Parasound.

If i was not adding a sub, I think NAD is a great bang for the buck.

Well below 2k even if the optional DAC.
jimmy2615
411 posts
 
My dealer who sold me the KEFs recommended Hegel. I did not hear the two together though. I have the Arcam A19 which does well - nice match, as has already been said here. I'll just say that these speakers are not considered 'reference' on a whim. My dealer auditioned them for me on a $10k class 'A' (not stereophile classifications but type of amplifier) and the sound was amazing in every regard...so get the best you can get! The speakers will play along.
tjnindc
91 posts
 
I have run both the Wyred4Sound mInt and the Rogue Sphinx with my LS50s and like both. The Sphinx is particularly well matched, and I like the sound of the tub preamp. The W4S has a fantastic DAC. The Sphinx has a very solid phono stage. You can't go wrong with either.
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