2. amps-preamps
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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
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.
whitecap
97 posts
 
Further to the hybrid idea, check out the Pathos hybrid's for sale here on A'Gon now (no, I'm not a seller). Very nice sounding line that gets at the best of both worlds, and, IMHO, cool looking too, with real nice build quality.
whitecap
97 posts
 
McIntosh MA6600 (you can by-pass its preamp if you want; but my guess is you ultimately wouldn't), or, I second the suggestions above about a hybrid, or, I also second the suggesion abover re Pass integrated.
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