mikechadwick
pfm Member
Interested to know what amps Fishies use or recommend for the LS50's. Built-In DAC not required.
I'm currently using a Gato 250S NPM which is Class D and sounds great. I'm not using the Digital inputs so thought alternative amps might be interesting!I've had very good results with a class d amp. powering my LS50's. This was in a nearfield situation though, may be different result in a larger room.
Don't believe the nonsense hifi forum myth that you need huge power to drive LS50s, my 35wpc Ion Obelisk 3 drives mine beautifully. They are extremely revealing speakers so you need quality not quantity. I've owned an Audiolab 8300A before but not at same time as the LS50s but I would imagine they would make a great match.
TS
They need some room to work, if they are too close to the front wall the bass will become boomy & muddy + the soundstage will collapse. The port bungs help with the bass but won't restore the soundstage. I had mine about 300mm from the front wall & I only play at fairly moderate levels so I think that's about as close as you can get before you start having issues. Part of the reason I couldn't live with the Tannoys long term despite there being great speakers was to do with some bass boom at higher levels. They are the only speakers I've had in the 6 years I've lived in this flat that have drawn comments from my neighbours.Do you find they integrate well in your room, in the bass? I’m very sensitive to port boom and noticed when I visited you when you had the Tannoys your room was smallish.
I think they would sound great on the end of a 34/306 as well.A speaker you can’t give too good an amp to IMO. The pay back good solid weight and grip, and given no budget is mentioned I’d say Accuphase, Luxman, Sugden Masterclass, Conrad Johnson, Krell etc. They are good speakers and won’t be outclassed in this company. Totally different amp requirements to the LS3/5A school IMO despite being marketed as a tribute.
PS If budget is a constraint I’d look at a Quad 606-909, chunky Meridian etc. You want some grunt.
Luckily budget isn't an issue but I'm really not into amps that I can't easily lift! Being a 10 stone weakling that limits me somewhatA speaker you can’t give too good an amp to IMO. The pay back good solid weight and grip, and given no budget is mentioned I’d say Accuphase, Luxman, Sugden Masterclass, Conrad Johnson, Krell etc. They are good speakers and won’t be outclassed in this company. Totally different amp requirements to the LS3/5A school IMO despite being marketed as a tribute.
PS If budget is a constraint I’d look at a Quad 606-909, chunky Meridian etc. You want some grunt.
Yes the KC62 looks very interesting indeed.A bit off the wall after all the worthy choices above, but I power mine with a several year old Devialet 170. Inexpensive used and great with the LS50’s. DAC and phono stage included. Haven’t heard the new little KEF KC62 sub but if it is half as good as has been reported, add it to the above and have quite system for not much money in audiophile terms.