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amp suggestions for Aerial 7b

just starting the process of upgrading from my krell s-300i integrated to separate amp. listen to rock 20%, alt-rock 40%, jazz 20% and classical 20%. need something with plenty of power as these 7b's aren't the easiest speakers to drive. 7b's are rated at 6ohms but i've been told the behave more like a 4ohm speaker. thinking *minimum* 250 watts into 8ohms with double down capability to really make the Aerials sing. i do tend to listen to music on the loud side of things. also....something that can drive almost any speaker in case i upgrade the 7b's next year(like i plan to).

will be using the amp exclusively with my ps audio perfect wave transport and perfect wave dac. gonna try the PWD as my pre-amp for now. will consider adding a pre-amp later if i don't like the pwd as a pre. will be buying used and budget for the amp is roughly 4-5k max. (prefer single box but will consider mono blocks also). i'd be more then happy to spend less though.

have focused on room acoustics for the last 2 months and think i have a good foundation now. acoustic panels, corner bass traps, carpet and heavy drapes really seemed to help with the forwardness my current system use to have. room is 15x23.

want something as neutral as possible with good detail. not looking for "warmth" but don't want harshness either. smooth highs and tight slamming bass are a must and again...detail.

so far the list is short. Pass X250.5, older Levinson 335 or 336 and maybe a Mcintosh of some type...402 maybe??. comments on these 3 amps with the 7b's are welcome as are any other suggestions. since i'm buying used, i won't be able to do any in home demo's. will have to make a decision based on in store listening.

thank you

Lev

levy03
levy03 OP
425 posts
 
i agree Shredder. seems some speakers do certain things great but fall short in some other area. the 7b are good across the board. well put...."a really great do-it-all speaker" imho too. my personal taste makes me wish for a tad more low end grunt but otherwise....the 7b's are near perfect for me.

hoping a few hundred extra watts makes them perfect!

thanks and cheers!

Lev
nolitan
865 posts
 
i also 2nd the Classe on the Aerial speakers. They are a great match!
fosolitude's avatar
fosolitude
24 posts
 
I believe it was the Bel Canto 500M that Jeff Joseph paired with the RM33 a couple years ago at CES that I heard. That was the only solid state amp I heard at the show that didn't shout SOLID STATE. They gave a very natural and listenable sound and were the only solid states I heard that I didn't mind.
My own rig is a Lamm LL2 Deluxe into an Art Audio Jota and they have no trouble driving my RM25ii. I've had this set up for six or seven years and it sounds good to me.
coolrda
2 posts
 
Parasound A21 or the Bryston 4b sst. You can't beat the Halos for the price.
skateman
22 posts
 
I drove the 7b's with all VTL electronics. ST-150 (150 watt tube amp) and a tl5.5 or tl2.5 preamp. The sound was the best I had in my smallish living room while listening at moderate levels.
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