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
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.
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.
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.
FYI, there's a Hegel H300 for sale here only 6 months old and listed at just a little over your price target.
Hi Scott, I've heard the Exposure and concur it's quite clean and neutral sounding.

I think you might like the integrateds from Primare, Audio Analogue, and even Naim.