H.E. Pennypacker Posted October 26, 2019 Share Posted October 26, 2019 (edited) I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my 12 months with Electrocompaniet, and it’s time for a year with something else fun. The EC is listed presently. Running Dali Rubicon 8s (https://www.stereophile.com/content/dali-rubicon-8-loudspeaker) in a smallish room 3600 x 4600 (very patient room placement experimenting made it work). Budget: $4k-$5k Ideas so far (there is a theme): - Luxman L-590 - Luxman L-550 - Sugden IA-4 - Musical Fidelity AMS35i Ive seen all of the above for $4k-$5k (except the MF - I have no idea in a decent second hand price). Any other ideas for what else I may consider? If you are considering parting with any of the above, let me know. Edited October 26, 2019 by furtherpale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlurkA Posted October 26, 2019 Share Posted October 26, 2019 I can highly recommend Accuphase integrateds having owned one and loved the sound. Paired with Dynaudio Contours S5.4. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H.E. Pennypacker Posted October 26, 2019 Author Share Posted October 26, 2019 1 minute ago, AlurkA said: I can highly recommend Accuphase integrateds having owned one and loved the sound. Paired with Dynaudio Contours S5.4. Ty... If it sounds good with Dyn, it usually sounds good with Dali. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denimhunter Posted October 26, 2019 Share Posted October 26, 2019 Spec amp from japan. Seen used ones on SNA occasionally Lavardin, really good ss integrated. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChupaChups Posted October 26, 2019 Share Posted October 26, 2019 21 minutes ago, furtherpale said: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my 12 months with Electrocompaniet, and it’s time for a year with something else fun. The EC is listed presently. Any other ideas for what else I may consider? TBH, Electrocompanie makes very good amps. Not sure which model you're using. High current designs, which suits Deli. Looking at your "preferred" list of amps, you're going sideways. But, that's just my humble opinions . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H.E. Pennypacker Posted October 26, 2019 Author Share Posted October 26, 2019 (edited) 5 minutes ago, Sirmorebeer said: TBH, Electrocompanie makes very good amps. Not sure which model you're using. High current designs, which suits Deli. Looking at your "preferred" list of amps, you're going sideways. But, that's just my humble opinions . I know I am I love the Dali sound (this is my 5th or 6th pair) and they let great amps express themselves. It keeps things interesting here new presentations of all my favourite music. Was an AW100DMB and ec 4.7. I had Krell before that... almost an opposite approach to achieving the same thing and I can highly recommend. Edited October 26, 2019 by furtherpale 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray H Posted October 26, 2019 Share Posted October 26, 2019 I have Epicon 6, Some good amp choices already listed. ( would not rule out the class A/B Luxman’s, but suggest the507 as a minimum. I had a Micromega M One in a very small room with mine for a while and it worked well, but only in the small room. They need something with more grunt to control the bass reqlistically. My only other suggestion is to try to loan a Hegel amp. addicted to Audio have both brands so may be a place to demo those brands. Personally though I would be shooting for a Lux 507 or Accuphase. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H.E. Pennypacker Posted October 26, 2019 Author Share Posted October 26, 2019 (edited) 13 minutes ago, Ray H said: I have Epicon 6, Some good amp choices already listed. ( would not rule out the class A/B Luxman’s, but suggest the507 as a minimum. I had a Micromega M One in a very small room with mine for a while and it worked well, but only in the small room. They need something with more grunt to control the bass reqlistically. My only other suggestion is to try to loan a Hegel amp. addicted to Audio have both brands so may be a place to demo those brands. Personally though I would be shooting for a Lux 507 or Accuphase. I had the 507 in mind, but I have learned the 550/590s are heavily biased to class A, but the 590 switches to a high-current AB to 86wpc @ 8ohm (roughly - from memory -pls correct if needed- and I’m not sure on the 550). Almost a different biasing setup done on a 507(?). It’s hard to find detailed info. I’ve ruled the 505 out already. Edited October 26, 2019 by furtherpale 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray H Posted October 26, 2019 Share Posted October 26, 2019 Yes, don’t get me wrong I think the 590 would sound fantastic in your smaller room. I have never heard it personally but would love too.. its reputation certainly precedes it. i think the 507 puts out around 5-15 watts class A, someone will know, but I imagine a lot of your listening in the smaller space would be in class A even with the 507. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08Boss302 Posted October 27, 2019 Share Posted October 27, 2019 (edited) Vincent SV700 would be a nice option... I'd think it will run the rubicons comfortably and give you a very nice warm sound. Edited October 27, 2019 by 08Boss302 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H.E. Pennypacker Posted October 27, 2019 Author Share Posted October 27, 2019 (edited) 1 minute ago, 08Boss302 said: Vincent SV700 would be a nice option... I'd think it will run the rubicons comfortably. Not a Vincent fan unfortunately, not enough current IME. Edited October 27, 2019 by furtherpale 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JukKluk2 Posted October 27, 2019 Share Posted October 27, 2019 Shameless plug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H.E. Pennypacker Posted October 27, 2019 Author Share Posted October 27, 2019 9 minutes ago, JukKluk2 said: Shameless plug. Yup... that falls in my ‘interesting’ category. It would be stretching my budget (and keep in mind my version of WAF is that the old one must sell first). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximus Posted October 27, 2019 Share Posted October 27, 2019 @furtherpaleAs much as you like the Dali sound, and the Rubicon's are fine speakers, it appears to me that a speaker change might be a better option. You've a damn good amp, and for up to 5k used there are some wonderful sounding speakers....the whole gamut. Anything from Open Baffle to Maggies and everything in between will give you extreme differences compared to a change of amp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rantan Posted October 27, 2019 Share Posted October 27, 2019 1 hour ago, maximus said: As much as you like the Dali sound, and the Rubicon's are fine speakers, it appears to me that a speaker change might be a better option. You've a damn good amp, and for up to 5k used there are some wonderful sounding speakers....the whole gamut. Anything from Open Baffle to Maggies and everything in between will give you extreme differences compared to a change of amp. Great minds eh? I thought I must have been the only one to whom this was/is self evident. In the interests of full disclosure I am personally, not a fan of Dali speakers, but I do respect the fact that many people whose opinion I value, think highly of them. IMNSHO, I think you could benefit significantly with a change of speakers and with a $5K budget the world is your oyster, especially if you buy second hand. I still strongly believe that better amplifiers make better systems and have distinct sonic differences, but in this instance, your amplifiers are not the weakest link and a speaker upgrade is your best direction for overall improvement in your system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H.E. Pennypacker Posted October 27, 2019 Author Share Posted October 27, 2019 I’ve just bought the speakers and I’m happy with them... I’m only looking for a different flavour running them for the next 12-24 months. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rantan Posted October 27, 2019 Share Posted October 27, 2019 (edited) 3 minutes ago, furtherpale said: I’ve just bought the speakers and I’m happy with them... I’m only looking for a different flavour running them for the next 12-24 months. OK. If that is the case buy a tube amp. What is it exactly that you want but are not getting with your ECs? Certainly if you buy a non Class A Luxman or Accuphase or most other decent AB amps, you are essentially buying neutrality and transparency, but certainly not flavour. Edited October 27, 2019 by rantan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H.E. Pennypacker Posted October 27, 2019 Author Share Posted October 27, 2019 (edited) 7 minutes ago, rantan said: OK. If that is the case buy a tube amp. What is it exactly that you want but are not getting with your ECs? Certainly if you buy a non Class A Luxman or Accuphase or most other decent AB amps, you are essentially buying neutrality and transparency, but certainly not flavour. Primaluna Evo 400 is the only thing that ticks every box, but they are so new there aren’t going to be bargains like there are with a 5yr old amp. I’m really just after a similar quality, just different (it keeps it interesting). I really enjoyed the quite clinical Krell, and the opposite end tube-ish EC. Edited October 27, 2019 by furtherpale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ittaku Posted October 27, 2019 Share Posted October 27, 2019 (edited) Another solid 4 ohm speaker, but reasonably efficient at 90dB. A nice valve integrated can be gotten for that price. I'm a big fan of these consonance integrateds, and they'll play with good foundation and loud too. https://www.osbornloudspeakers.com.au/cyber-880i If you wanted something a bit more luxurious and delicate sounding but with a bit less power, a fully specced elekit would tick the boxes. http://shop.grantfidelity.com/japanese-elekit-tu-8340vk-integrated-tube-amplifier-kit-or-assembled.html Otherwise, the primaluna range is exceedingly popular, and probably a winner in resale capability now if you like constantly churning gear. Edited October 27, 2019 by Ittaku Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximus Posted October 27, 2019 Share Posted October 27, 2019 If you can find a used Audio Research VSi75. I heard this amp through a pair of Monitor Audio Pl300's. OMG....now this would suit your Dali's. They've been around a while now so 5k might get you a 4-5 year old one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sakabatou Posted October 27, 2019 Share Posted October 27, 2019 14 hours ago, Ray H said: i think the 507 puts out around 5-15 watts class A, someone will know, but I imagine a lot of your listening in the smaller space would be in class A even with the 507. Rocky tracked down that info: 1.5W 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H.E. Pennypacker Posted November 6, 2019 Author Share Posted November 6, 2019 Found a great deal on a Luxman L-590axii - ty all. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southie Adam Posted November 6, 2019 Share Posted November 6, 2019 Second hand or new? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H.E. Pennypacker Posted November 6, 2019 Author Share Posted November 6, 2019 2 minutes ago, Somethingclever said: Second hand or new? Second hand (forum member replied to my WTB). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southie Adam Posted November 6, 2019 Share Posted November 6, 2019 Nice! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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