FZappa Posted January 17, 2019 Posted January 17, 2019 Hey Guys First post here, this is all very new to me I’ve never looked into world of HiFi before. It all started when I was in JB hifi and seen a set of DALIs on sale for $600, Zensor 5s ( floor stock ) and made me think I want to get a decent system for myself after all these years. I started looking around and ended up looking for used gear also. Fast forward a little and I have ended up with a set of Used Dali Ikon 7s, I’ve hooked them up to an old Kenwood amp ( 80s model KA-45 ) I’ve had in the garage for years for now and they sound really good. I want to get a new amp, probably something with a remote, for just the two towers and possibly a sub down the track. I listen to a bit of everything but mostly rock and metal though, Zappa, Dream Theater, Opeth etc. Any recommendations on how I should run these IKon 7s would be much appreciated, with the right amp will I be able to get away with no sub? I will be using CDs and music from laptop etc. Thanks in advance. 2
surprisetech Posted January 17, 2019 Posted January 17, 2019 Welcome Chris. I don't think you'd need a sub with those speakers unless they become part of a HT setup down the track. Or unless you're really into pipe organ recordings! They're got very good bass extension and are pretty efficient speakers, so you won't need to go over the top with amplifier power. Get a nice integrated amp from one of the trusted brands. Yamaha, NAD, Rotel, Marantz, Cambridge Audio, etc. Depending on your budget, there's a few integrated amps around now that include digital inputs and have good quality DACs built in. You might consider one of those if you're often playing music from a laptop. The analogue output from laptops is often pretty noisy. Better to do the D to A conversion outside the laptop. Otherwise you could get an integrated without digital inputs and put a USB DAC between the laptop and the amp. Good luck and keep an eye on the classifieds here. 1
FZappa Posted January 17, 2019 Author Posted January 17, 2019 Thanks for the reply, will look into those ideas. I probably rushed into the speaker purchase without looking into it enough but will look more carefully into my options for amps.
surprisetech Posted January 17, 2019 Posted January 17, 2019 Just now, FZappa said: Thanks for the reply, will look into those ideas. I probably rushed into the speaker purchase without looking into it enough but will look more carefully into my options for amps. Wouldn't worry too much about your purchase. The DALI's are well engineered and very good value. I just upgraded my Centre speaker to a DALI Zensor. I had budgeted to spend a bit more, but the Zensor Centre ticked all my boxes and I've had no regrets.
Guest Eggcup The Daft Posted January 17, 2019 Posted January 17, 2019 Assuming the mk1 version - I had a demo of these speakers a few years back (didn't buy them). Despite their having fairly good bass output, in the dem room, a sub crossed over at 60Hz improved them markedly, especially in the midrange - so in some rooms at least you may get an advantage from a sub. I would have recommended the entry level Simaudio Moon amp for this job (I auditioned with the i-1), but they appear to be much more expensive than when I got mine. The makes @surprisetech mentioned should be fine.
FZappa Posted January 18, 2019 Author Posted January 18, 2019 Yes, they are the mark 1s. Will look into that amp. So many options out there it’s not funny. Will have to keep an eye on the classifieds section here
FZappa Posted January 18, 2019 Author Posted January 18, 2019 Just seen the Simaudio Moon, that’s what I’m kind of after. I’m assuming the Pre out is where you would connect a sub? Is that correct. Also the one I just seen on eBay had no tone controls, just a volume. How do you adjust sounds or do you do that with the signal coming in?
Jeddie Posted January 22, 2019 Posted January 22, 2019 In regard to tone controls, I asked the same thing a few years back here. Here is the thread >
FZappa Posted January 22, 2019 Author Posted January 22, 2019 Cheers for the reply Jeddie. I ended up getting a Yamaha A-S500, which I’m pretty happy about. Will probably look at getting a Sub now though, give it a bit more punch. Would probably want to only spend $500 or $600 at the moment, probably used. Any recommendations what brands I should look at, and what I should avoid.
wen Posted January 22, 2019 Posted January 22, 2019 @FZappa there is a REL in the classifieds, just above budget but usually well regarded
FZappa Posted January 22, 2019 Author Posted January 22, 2019 Thanks wen Unfortunately I’m in Sydney otherwise I’d be all over it.
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