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Best Integrated Amp for KEF Reference 1s Under $5K New or Used

Hi all

New to the forums here. I recently acquired a set of KEF Reference 1s and am running them with a Primaluna Dialog Premium HP Integrated Amp with KT120s installed. Sound is very good but these speakers are apparently quite power hungry so I would like to at least do an in-home trial of another integrated with more power, to see if I am missing out on anything.

So two questions really:

1. Do you think I would benefit from an amp with more power and/or solid-state technology?

2. What integrated amp under $5K new or used would you recommend?

Some more relevant points:
  • I am only considering integrated amps due to space constraints
  • I am absolutely open to buying lightly used equipment
  • I only listen to vinyl and already have a very good Herron Audio standalone phono stage
  • I also listen on headphones so need a very good headphone port
  • I don't need a built in DAC, bluetooth, tone controls, rumble filter or any other bells and whistles
So in summary all I really need is a single line-in connection, built-in headphone amp and volume control.

Thanks in advance.
dworkman
rockeymarkb
15 posts
 
I own KEF R-500s ($2600 MSRP), and my dealer recommended Hegel H190 integrated amp, 150/250 wpc.  H190 is $4000 new and $3000 used.  He said for KEFs to really dance they need a high current amp.

I bought the H-190 and was amazed by the difference it provided, much more bass and much tighter bass, increased detail in mids and treble.  When I discussed upgrading to the KEF R-11s, he said the Hegel H390s would be the appropriate electronics.  The H390 is $6000 new and ~$4800 used.  Best of luck!
luxmancl38
580 posts
 
Anthem STR 2. Excellent Integrated. New $4500.
revrob
105 posts
 
Right now the Anthem STR Integrate has a 20% off sale going on at around $3600.
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