Integrated Amp suggestion to drive KEF R700

If interested, PM me. Can get the outboard monoblocks I have to plug into your system.
Then you can evaluate where and how to go about it.
Cheers,
Raghu
Thanks Raghu for the offer .. Most kind of you .. Will let you know
 
If you go by the Specs of R700 almost everything can be clarified.

Recommend Amp Power - 25 to 200wpc
  1. Impedence - 8ohm nominal, dips to 3.2ohm minimum : chances of high current draw
  2. Freq Response - 37hz to 40khz : will it be possible to reach 37hz convincingly with 25wpc amp or even 75 wpc amp?
  3. Max Spl - 113db : can you reach 100db with 25wpc? Even if you listen below 80db, you'd still want the speakers to be as detailed as they're in higher volumes. Is that possible with say, 75 wpc Amp?
  4. Sensitivity - 89db : Not bad but not great either.
  5. Type - 3 Way Bass reflex, two 6.5" drivers : We expect minimum 200wpc in subwoofer with 8" drivers, your Amp is looking at the crossover mostly.
Answers to most of the questions is unlikely in my experience. I'd not think of driving them with any amp below 150wpc. The Manfacturer usually mentions lower limits of Amplification requirements in a lenient fashion for commercial reasons. I usually mate with 75% or above of the max recommended amplification suggested by Manfacturer. Your Denon is no doubt a great amp but I'd go with higher amplification for R700.(The question here is about how well the amp is going to drive).

2L is a good budget, There's a Bryston @150wpc and Plinius 8000 @175wpc, Parasound a21 @250wpc, and Bryston 6B st @250wpc for sale on HFV classifieds. Look for them if you are open to pre-owned stuff, All are within your budget.
Thanks DrCrack for you inputs. Will bear your 75% rule in mind while I continue my amplifier search
 
Amitabh,

No. An increase in watts alone means nothing. Quality of power is important. I am not entirely convinced of what Denon have been selling in the last decade, especially stereo components. Like wise for the the cheaper Marantz stereo gear

When I was auditioning the old Kef iQ9 for a friend, Pro Fx had it connected to their top of the line Denon Integrated costing almost 2 lacs. Yes; it did sound good. We got Pro Fx to send the speaker for a home demo and when connected to the Rotel RB-870BX, the sound completely transformed. That Denon was not doing justice to the iQ9.

To make the R700's sing, you need a really good integrated or head down the pre power route. Do try the Trigon Exceed. As a Trigon user, I highly recommend them.
Hi Sandeep !! Long time no hear .. Where have you been ?? PM me your mobile number

Get your drift. You must've auditioned the PMA 2000AE If even that didn't pass muster with you, high time I increased my search efforts. Been thinking about the Exxceed. Had a brief word with Jochen. Since I ain't in any hurry, will keep looking and keep an open mind. MUST find the right amp this time, one I can stick with for a very long time and just play around with the source. I foresee most advancement happening on the digital side
 
@Shylo - My recommendation would immediately be the 'Trigon Exxceed'. At 130W at 8 ohms and 200 something at 4ohms, they have enough power to drive most speakers. Very musical and has a great Dac.
Contact Jochen if you want a new one. It is a little over 2 lakhs new, but if you are keeping I may even think of selling mine, not sure yet though. But at least you can borrow mine and listen for a bit if you like.
Many thanks Eddie Fox. Might drop in for a listen sometime
 
If you are looking for a comparatively cheaper and best option,I would suggest a Yamaha AS1100 ,AS2100 if available or a used Yamaha AS 1000, AS 2000.
They are smooth ,neutral(warm side),well built amplifiers with ample power.

I myself use Yamaha A S1000 to drive my Harbeth 30.1's.

Harbeths are easy drive as per the manufacturer,but Yamaha brings out the Harbeth's potential much better compared to my Integra 30.1 power amp(Pre is FX audio tube amp).

(specs below for comparison)

Yamaha A S1000
  • 90 watts @ 8 ohms
  • 140 watts @ 4 ohms
Integra 30.1
  • 2 x 115 W @ 3 Ω
  • 2 x 90W @ 4 Ω
  • 2 x 45 W @ 8 Ω
I am not sure how Yamaha pairs with KEF.
That's a dream pair of speakers you got there Shinto. Wow !!! I thought Harbeths were quite power hungry. A little surprised 90 watts does the job. Good for you !!

Will explore suggested models
 
Concentrate on improving your speaker placement. Almost all of us grossly under utilise the potential of our chains due to sub-optimal speaker placement.

Also, be wary of anyone who tells you that higher wattage in amps is automatically superior.
Fair point, but, there's precious little I can do here. Thanks anyway. Cheerio
 
That's a dream pair of speakers you got there Shinto. Wow !!! I thought Harbeths were quite power hungry. A little surprised 90 watts does the job. Good for you !!

Will explore suggested models
The manufacturer suggests 25 w minimum.
90 W of Yamaha does the job.But it is not just the watts that is doing it.Even a 100 watts from a different amplifier may not do it.It is the quality that does it.my opinion.
 
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