Author Topic: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k  (Read 3615 times)

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Offline mbc0528

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KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« on: Aug 03, 2018 at 01:26 PM »
Hello ka-PDVD,

Magtatanong lamang po ako ng posibleng swak sa budget na amp / dac-amp / stereo receiver na kayang idrive si KEF LS50.

Kahit po USED lang, since i have a tight budget atm.

Recommendations pls.
Thank you


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« Last Edit: Aug 03, 2018 at 01:29 PM by mbc0528 »

Offline alvinbaronsia

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #1 on: Aug 03, 2018 at 01:38 PM »
Rotel RA10 if you can find one, 2nd hand Rega Brio. I also started out using Hypersound av2050 with my LS50, and I was quite happy with it for a while.

Offline mbc0528

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #2 on: Aug 03, 2018 at 04:21 PM »
Rotel RA10 if you can find one, 2nd hand Rega Brio. I also started out using Hypersound av2050 with my LS50, and I was quite happy with it for a while.

thank you sir.
ill check them out sa mga reviews.

btw sir, do you know where to check / get them?

« Last Edit: Aug 03, 2018 at 04:24 PM by mbc0528 »

Offline joejet

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #3 on: Aug 03, 2018 at 06:55 PM »
Marantz PM KI Pearl Lite

There's one for sale in Marketplace PDVD.

Offline alvinbaronsia

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #4 on: Aug 04, 2018 at 01:15 PM »
thank you sir.
ill check them out sa mga reviews.

btw sir, do you know where to check / get them?

Rotel - check if decibel audio in Katipunan ext. still has them. Brio, occasionally meron lumalabas dito, but you can try 1Make Hifi.

Offline zram18

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #5 on: Aug 04, 2018 at 11:57 PM »
Nad 326 bee swak sa budget mo.

Offline mbc0528

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KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #6 on: Aug 05, 2018 at 12:47 AM »
Rotel - check if decibel audio in Katipunan ext. still has them. Brio, occasionally meron lumalabas dito, but you can try 1Make Hifi.

Ty.

Nakakita ako ng seller ng HYPER SOUND AV2050. Sa tingin m ba sir mas ok po iyun kumpara kay HARMAN KARDON 3770?

Almost same price kc po sila.

Marantz PM KI Pearl Lite

There's one for sale in Marketplace PDVD.

TY Sir, kaso po out na sa budget.


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« Last Edit: Aug 05, 2018 at 12:48 AM by mbc0528 »

Offline alvinbaronsia

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #7 on: Aug 05, 2018 at 01:35 AM »
Ty.

Nakakita ako ng seller ng HYPER SOUND AV2050. Sa tingin m ba sir mas ok po iyun kumpara kay HARMAN KARDON 3770?

Almost same price kc po sila.

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Depende sa taste mo. Medyo malambing ung hybrid tube. Ung HK, maganda rin actually, mas bright-neutral ung dating. Sa totoo lang, maganda ls50 sa kahit anong amp. Huwag ka na lang makinig sa mga masmahal hahaha.

Offline mbc0528

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #8 on: Aug 05, 2018 at 01:30 PM »
Depende sa taste mo. Medyo malambing ung hybrid tube. Ung HK, maganda rin actually, mas bright-neutral ung dating. Sa totoo lang, maganda ls50 sa kahit anong amp. Huwag ka na lang makinig sa mga masmahal hahaha.

thank you boss.
thats the best advise ever.  ;D

Offline jude73

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #9 on: Aug 05, 2018 at 07:30 PM »
Sir try mong i-consider ang Dared mp-5

Offline markcrenz

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #10 on: Aug 05, 2018 at 08:57 PM »
You can buy and try my Harman Kardon 3480 (last few models of HK stereo receivers with robust linear power supply before they converted to the less reliable SMPS) for a month. Money back if not satisfied.
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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #11 on: Aug 06, 2018 at 09:00 AM »
I like the Harman Kardon paired to KEF

Offline mbc0528

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #12 on: Aug 10, 2018 at 09:29 PM »
I like the Harman Kardon paired to KEF


Yup. More than decent na sila as pair kaso may times na i felt na lacking sa dynamics/punch/weight si HK para kay KEF.

I think i need to try more gears para lalo ko mahanap yung kng ano ba yung mas bagay.  Some people recommended TUBE AMPS like SAKURA HOTROD / HYPER SOUND AV2050.

But i never had the chance to hear them yet.


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Offline luis

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #13 on: Aug 10, 2018 at 11:27 PM »
Gud pm sir.

What amp character are you looking for that you feel will match ls50? This will help you narrow down your choices and zero in what you like best.

Just my thought.

 ;D

Offline mbc0528

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KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #14 on: Aug 12, 2018 at 08:17 PM »
Im looking for :

1. Something that can drive the KEF LS50 easily with very good sound quality
2. Signature im looking for is musical but warm / organic yung sound without adding any harshness / edginess sa sound which might lead to sibilance ni kef. Pwede rin tube like sound.
3. Something that i can easily use my iphone as source but optional


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« Last Edit: Aug 12, 2018 at 08:30 PM by mbc0528 »

Offline carbin19

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #15 on: Aug 12, 2018 at 08:32 PM »
Quote
1. Something that can drive the KEF LS50 easily
2. Signature im looking for is musical but warm / organic yung sound without adding any harshness / edginess sa sound which might lead to sibilance ni kef.
3. Something that i can easily use my iphone as source

Check out my Nakamichi AV-10, reviews were stellar, posted too here. =)

Offline Arulco

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #16 on: Aug 12, 2018 at 08:50 PM »
Im looking for :

1. Something that can drive the KEF LS50 easily with very good sound quality
2. Signature im looking for is musical but warm / organic yung sound without adding any harshness / edginess sa sound which might lead to sibilance ni kef. Pwede rin tube like sound.
3. Something that i can easily use my iphone as source but optional


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When I used to have passive LS50 speakers, the NAD C325BEE or C326BEE ticked items 1 and 2 for me and are close to your budget . The only caveat is, both of those amps failed on me so I cannot guarantee the reliability of that recommendation.

My advice is: whatever amp you go with, if you want less harshness/edgieness, have the Uni-Q drivers pointed away from your ears in an off-axis position with less toe-in. If you use stands, also make sure that the tweeters are slightly lower than ear level. Doing those things not only made my LS50 speakers sound smoother and warmer, but also optimized the sound dispersion giving me a wider listening sweet spot. Experiment and see what works best for you.
« Last Edit: Aug 12, 2018 at 08:52 PM by Mr. Bungle »

Offline mbc0528

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KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #17 on: Aug 12, 2018 at 10:09 PM »
When I used to have passive LS50 speakers, the NAD C325BEE or C326BEE ticked items 1 and 2 for me and are close to your budget . The only caveat is, both of those amps failed on me so I cannot guarantee the reliability of that recommendation.

My advice is: whatever amp you go with, if you want less harshness/edgieness, have the Uni-Q drivers pointed away from your ears in an off-axis position with less toe-in. If you use stands, also make sure that the tweeters are slightly lower than ear level. Doing those things not only made my LS50 speakers sound smoother and warmer, but also optimized the sound dispersion giving me a wider listening sweet spot. Experiment and see what works best for you.


Id like to stretch my budget at 30k max and thinking of getting MARANTZ PM6006 or ROTEL RX1050.

I currently own HARMAN KARDON 3770 and i feel like it lacks some punch, body/weight and dynamics... some tracks seems uninspired to my ears thats why id like yo upgrade.

Can you recommend something sweet sounding / tube like sound for the ls50?


Check out my Nakamichi AV-10, reviews were stellar, posted too here. =)
Pm sent sir.

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« Last Edit: Aug 12, 2018 at 10:10 PM by mbc0528 »

Offline Arulco

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #18 on: Aug 12, 2018 at 11:16 PM »
^ I was seriously considering Rega amps to replace the NAD back then. Maybe you can audition the Rega Brio.

Offline alvinbaronsia

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #19 on: Aug 13, 2018 at 10:29 AM »

Id like to stretch my budget at 30k max and thinking of getting MARANTZ PM6006 or ROTEL RX1050.

I currently own HARMAN KARDON 3770 and i feel like it lacks some punch, body/weight and dynamics... some tracks seems uninspired to my ears thats why id like yo upgrade.

Can you recommend something sweet sounding / tube like sound for the ls50?

Pm sent sir.

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IMO, you won't get that performance with a tube at that price range. Maybe try line magnetic 216 at around 50k used, but honestly, I dont think you'll get grippy bass with that either. Rega brio is your next best step. After brio, rogue audio sphinx if you really like tubes.

I'm just curious, what amp did you hear that made you think that the HK was lacking in dynamics/body/weight/punch?

Offline markcrenz

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #20 on: Aug 13, 2018 at 11:18 AM »

... i feel like it lacks some punch, body/weight and dynamics... some tracks seems uninspired to my ears ...
Hindi kaya out of phase ang speakers/wiring mo?
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Offline Nelson de Leon

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #21 on: Aug 13, 2018 at 02:03 PM »
When auditioning for an amp that will match your speakers, try to bring your speakers na din. Also, try bringing your system to an acoustically treated room (if yours is not yet treated) it will improve the overall sonic characteristics. Madalas din sir mga reflections tend to muddle the weight and dynamics because reflections tend to give additional information to your ears.

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KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #22 on: Aug 14, 2018 at 10:30 PM »
^ I was seriously considering Rega amps to replace the NAD back then. Maybe you can audition the Rega Brio.


Sige sir, hanap ako and basa muna ako ng reviews about. Im currently considering SEPERATES and my choices are:

PREAMP :

-NAD 1300
-ROTEL RB980BX

POWER AMP :

-QUAD combo 405-2 / 34 pre amp
-ACURUS a-100

When auditioning for an amp that will match your speakers, try to bring your speakers na din. Also, try bringing your system to an acoustically treated room (if yours is not yet treated) it will improve the overall sonic characteristics. Madalas din sir mga reflections tend to muddle the weight and dynamics because reflections tend to give additional information to your ears.


Yes. Thank you sa advise sir.
Ill bring my speakers next time.
Next na yang pagtreat sa room, i know it has an effect to the overall performance of the experience.

IMO, you won't get that performance with a tube at that price range. Maybe try line magnetic 216 at around 50k used, but honestly, I dont think you'll get grippy bass with that either. Rega brio is your next best step. After brio, rogue audio sphinx if you really like tubes.

I'm just curious, what amp did you hear that made you think that the HK was lacking in dynamics/body/weight/punch?


Actually i only based the sound on the speakers ive had / heard, also a denon paired LS50. And some gears like ifi tube2 / ifi xdsd + sakura  hotrod.

I also based from familiar tracks na i felt somehow uninspiring / lacking... parang manipis and medyu light yung tunog.

Sige sir, try k rin po alamin yang si REGA BRIO.




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« Last Edit: Aug 14, 2018 at 10:38 PM by mbc0528 »

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #23 on: Aug 15, 2018 at 05:38 AM »
Meron akong NAD 7020e na receiver na swak sa budget mo. . .  :-)  Warm sounding so pang kontra sa Kef kung tingin mo matalas yung Kef.

Offline edison

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #24 on: Aug 15, 2018 at 08:39 AM »
Suggestion lang po mga ka bro. sa audio., kung di nga lang din conflict sa schedule ng mga ka-member at baka maabala., kung papayag dalhin ni TS yung speaker nya sa mga gustong ipa-audition sa amp nya yung KEF LS50 hanggang sa mahanap ni TS yung character na gusto nya then saka na lang mag-decide na bumili, in that way ma-audition din ng may ari ng amp sa ibang speaker yung gamit nya lalo na kung gusto nya rin yung LS50. ( dapat sana yung malapit na member lang para di mahirapan sa transport). Pag sa store kasi, nakakahiya din kung di pa naman bibili.

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #25 on: Aug 15, 2018 at 09:44 AM »
hi sir, if you want to try , i'm selling my emotiva BASX TA-100 amplifier and pre anp na din po pwede i pair with emotiva AS-300 power amp  50 wpc @8ohms with phono mm/mc
DAC,  optical and digital inputs AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY TILL MARCH 2019, please google other specs for
20k
or AMX tube amp EL34 35wpc @ 8ohms me DAC input na din medyu lagpas lang ng konti sa budget mo
28k
i can send pictures sa FB messenger

thanks
giantxtc
09950250933/09083394557
« Last Edit: Aug 15, 2018 at 09:59 AM by giantxtc »

Offline mbc0528

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #26 on: Aug 17, 2018 at 10:48 AM »
hi sir, if you want to try , i'm selling my emotiva BASX TA-100 amplifier and pre anp na din po pwede i pair with emotiva AS-300 power amp  50 wpc @8ohms with phono mm/mc
DAC,  optical and digital inputs AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY TILL MARCH 2019, please google other specs for
20k
or AMX tube amp EL34 35wpc @ 8ohms me DAC input na din medyu lagpas lang ng konti sa budget mo
28k
i can send pictures sa FB messenger

thanks
giantxtc
09950250933/09083394557


Thank you very much sir.
Nakapagdecide na ako ng set up ko, anyway si emotiva isa sa mga tiningnan ko sayang lang kc medyu nalate na nakakuha na ako ng set.

Thank you muna sir

Suggestion lang po mga ka bro. sa audio., kung di nga lang din conflict sa schedule ng mga ka-member at baka maabala., kung papayag dalhin ni TS yung speaker nya sa mga gustong ipa-audition sa amp nya yung KEF LS50 hanggang sa mahanap ni TS yung character na gusto nya then saka na lang mag-decide na bumili, in that way ma-audition din ng may ari ng amp sa ibang speaker yung gamit nya lalo na kung gusto nya rin yung LS50. ( dapat sana yung malapit na member lang para di mahirapan sa transport). Pag sa store kasi, nakakahiya din kung di pa naman bibili.


Thank you very much po sir sa magandang advise, totoo pong mabigat si kef kaya ndi k sya nagawang dalhin for testing. I just invested into a powerful poweramp muna, nataon lang na nakuha k rin yung preamp na ksama sa model.

Meron akong NAD 7020e na receiver na swak sa budget mo. . .  :-)  Warm sounding so pang kontra sa Kef kung tingin mo matalas yung Kef.


Thank you sir. Ill consider that, the next time i upgraded / sidegrade ng receiver.

I currently bought a set now of HARMAN KARDON HK 770 monobloc poweramp and HK 725 preamp with it.




Sa lahat po ng PDVD MASTERS na nag advise at nagoffers, thank you very much po.

Now. DAC naman need k for my apple tv airplay para wireless k sya mapatunog losslessly.


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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #27 on: Aug 18, 2018 at 05:21 AM »
Sir how much mo nakuha ung HK combo?
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Offline mbc0528

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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #28 on: Aug 18, 2018 at 05:56 AM »
Sir how much mo nakuha ung HK combo?


Paid more or less 30k po


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Re: KEF LS50 passive : budget amp recommendation for 15-20k
« Reply #29 on: Aug 18, 2018 at 06:27 AM »
so hindi nasunod yung budget amp 15k-20k sa title... hehe

anyway, nice combo. congrats and enjoy!