2. amps-preamps
  3. 1401070260

Hegel H80 for KEF LS50? Or other amp?

Hello all,

I am seriously considering the Hegel H80 based on the reviews I've seen and the recommendations of a few people who have heard it. My only concern is that my speakers are KEF LS50s, which drop to 3.2 ohms at their minimal impedance (although overall they are not an extremely difficult load) and have a sensitivity of 85db. The Hegel is claimed to sound more powerful than its claimed 75 wpc and to have a powerful bottom end. However, there is no specification into 4 ohms, and I'm worried that it will not have the dynamics or the bass that a more powerful integrated might have (for example, the Krell S300i is on sale for $1800 new and doubles down into 4 ohms - very tempting).

If any of you have experience with the Hegel into 4 ohm speakers, I'd love to hear about it. And if you have another recommendation for the KEF LS50s, I'd appreciate your input. I LOVE the speakers, but I just haven't found the right integrated yet. My listening room is about 14 x 16 feet, and I listen at moderate levels to a wide range of music.

Thanks so much!
Scott
smrex13
dmacg
22 posts
 
I can't speak to the Hegel H80, but I was able to compare the Hegel H100 and H200 with my LS50's. Both were good.
I bought the Bryston B135 SST² as it was better than the Hegel's and 2 others I listened to. Quite noticably better I might add.
donjr
1,311 posts
 
"I can't speak to the Hegel H80, but I was able to compare the Hegel H100 and H200 with my LS50's. Both were good.
I bought the Bryston B135 SST² as it was better than the Hegel's and 2 others I listened to. Quite noticably better I might add."

YOU liked it better. It's your ears and system synergy. I heard the LS50's with an Octave tube amp and whoa!!!!
zzzcue57
4 posts
 
I have the H80 going to Audio Physic Classic 30s which are 4 ohm. Plenty of power with no roll off. Has a tube like sound, great integrated.
yyzsantabarbara
647 posts
 
I use the Parasound Halo A23 (125 watts). I bought it on eBay for about $550 used. It was the amp that KEF was demoing the LS50's with at some US shows. I have no complaints.
dmacg
22 posts
 
Hey Donjr;
Sorry, the Bryston B135 SST² was better than the Hegels; as stated.
Not a question of "liked" better, It was better in all ways except low bass detail and control where they matched. But of course, you would have to have been there.
More to discover