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Hegel H80 for KEF LS50? Or other amp?

Hello all,

I am seriously considering the Hegel H80 based on the reviews I've seen and the recommendations of a few people who have heard it. My only concern is that my speakers are KEF LS50s, which drop to 3.2 ohms at their minimal impedance (although overall they are not an extremely difficult load) and have a sensitivity of 85db. The Hegel is claimed to sound more powerful than its claimed 75 wpc and to have a powerful bottom end. However, there is no specification into 4 ohms, and I'm worried that it will not have the dynamics or the bass that a more powerful integrated might have (for example, the Krell S300i is on sale for $1800 new and doubles down into 4 ohms - very tempting).

If any of you have experience with the Hegel into 4 ohm speakers, I'd love to hear about it. And if you have another recommendation for the KEF LS50s, I'd appreciate your input. I LOVE the speakers, but I just haven't found the right integrated yet. My listening room is about 14 x 16 feet, and I listen at moderate levels to a wide range of music.

Thanks so much!
Scott
smrex13
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,029 posts
 
I have had excellent results with the Simaudio i3.3 DPX. (100wpc). Deep,
taught natural bass and an extended top end. The music has a live sound
that is dynamic with great pace and rhythm. Very satisfied with this
selection.

I previously had been using a Naim Nait 5i (italic) Mrk ii (60wpc), with
good results, but I felt the speakers needed more clean power to perform
at their best.
bertram37
5 posts
 
I have the Hegel H80 with Magnepan MC1s and 2 DWMs. the Hegel drives it fine without strain. My dealer drives his 1.7 with it. I am also considering purchasing the LS50 this week.
bertram37
5 posts
 
I have the Hegel H80 with Magnepan MC1s and 2 DWMs. The Hegel drives it fine without strain. My dealer drives his 1.7 with it. I am also considering purchasing the LS50 this week as well.
dmacg
22 posts
 
I can't speak to the Hegel H80, but I was able to compare the Hegel H100 and H200 with my LS50's. Both were good.
I bought the Bryston B135 SST² as it was better than the Hegel's and 2 others I listened to. Quite noticably better I might add.
donjr
1,311 posts
 
"I can't speak to the Hegel H80, but I was able to compare the Hegel H100 and H200 with my LS50's. Both were good.
I bought the Bryston B135 SST² as it was better than the Hegel's and 2 others I listened to. Quite noticably better I might add."

YOU liked it better. It's your ears and system synergy. I heard the LS50's with an Octave tube amp and whoa!!!!
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