4 minutes ago, aparashk said:

Yamaha WXA-50 streamer/DAC/amplifier should do it based on specs, if you don't mind class D ICEpower amplification, very good metrics on ASR and < $600 new.

 

On 21/04/2021 at 4:48 PM, Marco79 said:

I ended up getting a Hegel H190

 

I'm using the LS50 Metas < Burson Funk Amp < Topping D50S DAC. Loving the sound. Detail & clarity is amazing.

Hope not a hijack of this thread .. I bought a package deal that included KEF LS50 speakers. I’m replacing subwoofer that was in the package with an SVS SB1000. Currently driving with a vintage Sony TA F700ES and using a cheap SMSL M9 DAC. I want to upgrade amp but my budget is $2000 or under. My source is currently a PC via USB and mainly rock, blues and jazz. Room is not idea for acoustics.. 17’ x 20’ with vaulted ceiling. Been looking for a used Hegel H190 or new Rotel 1572.  Any advice welcome 

 

I think both are ok, I've used the H390 with it, but currently I'm using a Rotel A11 Tribute with the LS50 and it's lovely.

Rotel 1572 is fine, but it lacks a bit of top end detail.   Pretty relaxing listen. I doubt you'd find a used H190 under 3,800 though...

 

8 hours ago, Streak01 said:

Hope not a hijack of this thread .. I bought a package deal that included KEF LS50 speakers. I’m replacing subwoofer that was in the package with an SVS SB1000. Currently driving with a vintage Sony TA F700ES and using a cheap SMSL M9 DAC. I want to upgrade amp but my budget is $2000 or under. My source is currently a PC via USB and mainly rock, blues and jazz. Room is not idea for acoustics.. 17’ x 20’ with vaulted ceiling. Been looking for a used Hegel H190 or new Rotel 1572.  Any advice welcome 

 

 

The Rotel are super reliable. I personally haven't found a lack of top end detail with the RA-1592 (the big brother), but there's basic tone control buried in the menus if you want to fiddle with that  (however crudely). [edit] Although, if your source is PC you can just EQ in software [/edit]. They have no problems with KEF power requirements. I can't see you regretting the purchase.

Edited July 4, 20214 yr by twofires

Contrary to popular belief, I've found that power is not that important for LS50 Metas.  My 50w Brio drives them much, much louder than my 120w 851a.  I auditioned the 1572, Marantz 8006, Arcam SA20 and Cambridge 851a.  Of those, I think the SA20 sounded the best especially for the price.  8006 a bit lean for my taste, 1572 really nice but lacking details (to me), SA20 and 851a both a more full bodied and "neutral" sounding although a bit harsh until the Metas have broken in.  While I'm not ordinarily a big believer in break in, mine have really warmed up and all the excessive sibilance I experienced at the start has disappeared (confirmed also by measurements).  For me, the best buy would probably be the Arcam new.

Also for that space, may I suggest you look into the PB1000 pro instead? It'll definitely pressurise the room better. 

8 hours ago, mysterybear said:

Contrary to popular belief, I've found that power is not that important for LS50 Metas.  My 50w Brio drives them much, much louder than my 120w 851a.  I auditioned the 1572, Marantz 8006, Arcam SA20 and Cambridge 851a.  Of those, I think the SA20 sounded the best especially for the price.  8006 a bit lean for my taste, 1572 really nice but lacking details (to me), SA20 and 851a both a more full bodied and "neutral" sounding although a bit harsh until the Metas have broken in.  While I'm not ordinarily a big believer in break in, mine have really warmed up and all the excessive sibilance I experienced at the start has disappeared (confirmed also by measurements).  For me, the best buy would probably be the Arcam new.

 

I have got my LS50 Metas last week and I have to agree with you, they don't appear to be difficult to drive with my (shock and horror) AVR, a Sony STR-DN1080. SPL wise they are same or slightly (1-2 db) lower than my previous Wharfedale 8.2 bookshelves at the same AVR volume level. SQ is sublime, and a bit of REW convolution filter calibration and room correction and sub supplementation (Richter Thor III) makes it as good as it gets at this price level, for my needs.

Edited July 5, 20214 yr by aparashk