The R8 doesn’t require much maintenance. Its super easy to adjust bias, fun even, and will hold its bias for months on end. I’ve been getting bored waiting for the tubes to burn out or fail. I have an entire replacement set collecting dust. The power tubes can last 2500+ hours and the pre tubes 2x that or more. If that seems too intimidating go with the Yamaha, it’s a solid unit. I use a Yamaha for movies/TV and love it but not for music. Their integrated amps are probably different though. Honestly it’s hard to recommend SS integrated amps at this price point, most lack character. The really good ones I like tend to be class A and much pricier. My favorite below 2k outside of tubes is the Linn Classik but that’s way below your budget. It’s a bouncy, spunky performer with a dollop a sparkle up top and very smooth. Lots of character.
Another "Best" amplifier Question.
Hope I'm not beating on the old horse too hard. I had originally intended to buy The now discontinued KEF r3s but ended up with the new Meta instead. Very pleased so far but still in burn-in mode on days wife not working from home.
Given my age, I intend for this to be my end game system (yea right). As per my previous post, system is the new R3 Metas, Bluesond Node, Technics SL-1200 MK2 with Ortofon Red, Sony UBP-X800M2 Blueray/CD and a Sony 55" XBR. No home theater set-up just seeking better audio from TV. Also Have an HSU VT1 sub. All feeding from a Yamaha R-N500 Receiver. System is hooked up to gigabit internet sevice and I listen mainly to Amazon Ultra HD music. All in all, not a high end system but somewhat better than box store IMHO.
I feel I need to replace the receiver as it not the best power choice for the KEFs. In researching, I've hit that deer in the headlights point where I'm frozen and overwhelmed by choices. Right up front I need to establish that my budget is around $2k. Only local dealer I consider audiophile carries Lyngdorf, Atoll, Marantz, NAD and Boulder. He is really pushing The Atoll IN-100 but says the Lyngforf doesn't have enough grunt. Did not even discuss Marantz or NAD and Boulder is in another universe. Atoll lacks phono but can be added at extra cost.
Online choices that intrigue me most: Emotive BASX A2/PT2 combo. Lots of features and power. Can be had (w/ first time buyer discount) for about $1100. Yamaha A-S1200 or Marantz 30 are available open box or refurb for my price range as is a JBLSA750. The JBL has a strong amp and interesting feature set including room correction. I'm probably missing many choices but I'm interested in a high currebt and from communicating with KEF, best to have something thats comfortable driving up to 150 watts into 4 ohms.
Lots of knowledge laden people so I'm looking forward to some solid advice. Thanks in advance.
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Look to models of Symphonic Line from 🇩🇪 . 140W@8 fully sufficient. Power amps or integrated with phono, but I advice separates. Before you decide compare values per channel: VA and Farad. You should have >700VA and >300mF, p. C.! Then listening test. Otherwise you risk unhappiness after some times. Best of luck! |
I own the KEF R3's and I have it paired to a Parasound A 23+(160 wpc) and it is fantastic match. A Parasound Hint 6 intergrated will deliver everything you are seeking power,presence and the ohm range is there 2-8 Ohms. and you are correct the R3's are rated at 8 ohms but can dip into the 3 ohm range. very few amps in your price range can do a good job in that department. I've tried several different amps Sonos Amp 125 wpc and a Buckeye Purifi 200 wpc with the R3's niether came close to the overall presentation of the Parasound, my system is in a large room about 600 Sq Ft and it fills the room effortlessly.When I paired the A 23+ with the R3's I knew I'd found what I was looking for. Based on the budget you have you can buy a used Parasound Hint 6 for aprrox.$1,800 which has a very good phono stage all the features you want and the same 160 wpc amp as the A23+. Do a deep dive on the Parasound Hint 6, high quality at a sane price. |
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