According to the KAB phono gain calculator, you're right on the money with the phono pre-amp. Which suggests that either the LFD is not putting out enough voltage (defective) or the amp/speaker interface is the issue. The fact that the Sony is spec'd at the same wattage for 8 or 4 ohms, plus your experience with the Hegel, and the low sensitivity of the KEFs all point to the amp/speaker match-up not being optimal. The S-phile measurements show impedence dips to 4 ohms at the low end and 5.3 ohms at the high end and also notes "
the combination of 5.3 ohms and –41° at
135Hz, a frequency where music often has high energy, will make the
speaker work at its best with a good, 4 ohm–rated amplifier." I'm no techie, but most solid state amps put out more power into 4 ohms than 8, the "more robust" being able to double their power output as Ohm's Law suggests. No idea what is happening with that 4-8 ohm switch, but you might try it at the 8 ohm setting. If that does not work, I think you need a beefier amp that "doubles down" into a 4 ohm load.
Not enough power?
Hi everyone,
I'm trying to sort through an issue with my system as I have it configured. I've added a couple of pieces recently, and the results have been quite good. However, there is one major problem - I don't seem to be able to generate reasonably high SPLs. The system is as follows:
Source: VPI Traveler with Clearaudio Maestro V2 (4.2mv output)
Phono Stage: LFD LE/SE (39db gain, not adjustable)
Integrated Amp: Sony TA-A1ES (80wpc into 4 or 8 ohms, switchable between the two)
Speakers: KEF LS50 (84.5db sensitivity, 4 ohms min.)
Listening room 15x12ft. relatively easy to pressurize.
The system sounds fantastic. However, I am using the volume of the Sony set between 70-80% of max, and I'm still only generating peaks of 80db (avg around 65db) at the listening spot (7 feet away). If I push it much higher than that the sound starts to thin out quickly. Interestingly, I had a similar problem a couple of years ago when I first tried the KEFs (and returned them) with a Hegel H80, which also puts out 80 watts per channel. My initial thought is that the KEFs just need more power. However, the various reviews of the LS50 use similarly powered amps with no comment about power problems.
Don't know whether I should be looking at a more powerful amp. The sliding class A sound of the Sony is phenomenal, but perhaps the topology just doesn't draw enough current? Maybe the KEFs just need more kick? I will be trying a pair of MM De Capo BEs, which in theory should be much easier to drive (although I just read a review where they were measured at just 86.7db sensitivity rather than their 92db as claimed).
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Scott
I'm trying to sort through an issue with my system as I have it configured. I've added a couple of pieces recently, and the results have been quite good. However, there is one major problem - I don't seem to be able to generate reasonably high SPLs. The system is as follows:
Source: VPI Traveler with Clearaudio Maestro V2 (4.2mv output)
Phono Stage: LFD LE/SE (39db gain, not adjustable)
Integrated Amp: Sony TA-A1ES (80wpc into 4 or 8 ohms, switchable between the two)
Speakers: KEF LS50 (84.5db sensitivity, 4 ohms min.)
Listening room 15x12ft. relatively easy to pressurize.
The system sounds fantastic. However, I am using the volume of the Sony set between 70-80% of max, and I'm still only generating peaks of 80db (avg around 65db) at the listening spot (7 feet away). If I push it much higher than that the sound starts to thin out quickly. Interestingly, I had a similar problem a couple of years ago when I first tried the KEFs (and returned them) with a Hegel H80, which also puts out 80 watts per channel. My initial thought is that the KEFs just need more power. However, the various reviews of the LS50 use similarly powered amps with no comment about power problems.
Don't know whether I should be looking at a more powerful amp. The sliding class A sound of the Sony is phenomenal, but perhaps the topology just doesn't draw enough current? Maybe the KEFs just need more kick? I will be trying a pair of MM De Capo BEs, which in theory should be much easier to drive (although I just read a review where they were measured at just 86.7db sensitivity rather than their 92db as claimed).
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Scott
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- 9 posts total
- 9 posts total