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Looking to upgrade amp

Hi everyone,

I hope that this message find you well. I'm currently using an Exposure 2010s2 (75 wpc) integrated amp. It's certainly a very fine amp for the money (the previous version received a Class A from Stereophile). The rest of my system is an Oppo BDP 105 for CD/SACD and the excellent (IMHO) KEF LS50 speakers.

I'm happy with the speakers and CD source, but I'm finding the amp to be a bit too "clinical/analytical" sounding. Also, the rather low sensitivity of the KEFs (85db, 3.2 ohm minimum) suggests that a higher power/higher current amp would be a better match (In fact, I contacted Exposure. and they suggested not using the 2010 with 4 ohm speakers). I have never owned a tube amp, so I might be interested in moving that direction. However, I am concerned about the lower sensitivity of my speakers, so I'm looking for your input on this issue.

For convenience's sake, I prefer to stick with an integrated, but the Exposure does have a pre-out, so I could move to separates (assuming that the Exposure functions well enough as a pre to allow the new amp to show its stuff).

Do any of you have recommendations for amps/integrateds to consider up to about $3,000(USD) that might provide a warmer and/or less forward sound?

Thanks for your time!

Best,
Scott
smrex13
truman
142 posts
 
4 ohm, 85 db speakers are the province of solid state amps in my experience. Tube amps just seem to like 8 or more ohms ( their square waves look better into 8 ohms too). Consider a hybrid integrated, with tube preamp and mosfet output (Nelson Pass tended to believe mosfets act more like tubes than bi-polar designs and I tend to believe him but YMMV). How about an integrated Croft "R" or Musical Design* T-75 Elite amp for around $2.5K? More power, try Abbington Research AMR AM777 for $3K used. All combine tube front ends with SS output.
-Let us know what you settle upon as this is a oft-visited theme.
*Musical Design has been flying under (my) radar but recently, a friend reports this innovative - but established- company's products compare closely with both of the above. You can choose different tube types in the pre too! I'd suggest 6SN7's.
raindog031's avatar
raindog031
165 posts
 
Roksan Kandy K2 should be fine...or if you get a good deal on Hegel H200...that should give you more control...and then play with cabling a little bit...i dont know do you listen more complex music but if i was in your place and want to get best from your speaker i would avoid tubes...Truman gaved interesting opinion about hybrid choices also...
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Thanks so much for the responses. I'm intrigued by the Roksan Kandy K2 - the reviews are very good, and the description of the sound is what I'm looking for. I'll check out the others as well. I appreciate your guidance.

Please keep the recommendations coming.

Best,
Scott
raindog031's avatar
raindog031
165 posts
 
Smrex13 i listened your amp with many speakers, also 3010s2 integrated and monos with many speakers including yours but i did not had chance to listen Kandy with Kefs...on few occasions i listened 3010s2 int and Kandy on Bowers CM10...both amps provided very good dynamics and control so your speakers will shine for sure...Kandy K2 sounded bit smoother than Exposure...so i think Kandy would be bullseye if i understand what you are seeking...Hegel sounding little more liquid than Exp and Roksan with more power...very good integrated for money...those amps are safe bet but lets not forget that you have different source and cabling so audition is a must...
lcherepkai
126 posts
 
Something to consider, the Oppo has a very good volume control built into it. You could run direct into practically any amp without using the integrated's preamp. I run an Upgrade Company modded Oppo 83SE directly into a Cambridge Audio 840W with BG Corp 520 loudspeakers and the sound is very detailed, dynamic, and slightly to the warm side. The control is so good with the 840W that I don't even use my subs (Def Tech ProSub 1000)and the BG Corps only use a pair of 6 1/2" woofers per side. I've heard the BG Corp 520's with a Theta Intrepid and Emotiva XPA 1' and always needed the subs with these amps so I consider the 840W to be an overachiever and huge bargain. Of course YMMV. Good luck.
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