Amp for Kef LS50

[shellylh]

My current desktop speaker setup is Benchmark DAC2 -> Pioneer Elite A-35R Int amp -> KEF LS50 (I also have the GS-1 on the desktop for headphones but haven't been using it with the speaker setup).  I feel that there is still a bit lacking from the KEF LS50s so I swapped out the Marantz SR6005 receiver for the Pioneer A-35R.  The sound was much warmer and more powerful.   While I feel that setup was too bass heavy for me, I think that there is probably something lacking in my cheapie Pioneer Elite.  I have been thinking about getting a Parasound A23 to replace the Pioneer Elite.  I wonder if there will be too much volume going balanced out of the DAC2 since I am listening at the desk.  Should I go for an amp or int amp.  The DAC has volume control but according to the manual, for it to sound best, it should be at least at 11pm.   So perhaps I should get an int amp or maybe use the GS-1 (which would mean sticking with a non-balanced amp).  Would a pure balanced setup have that many benefits over a non-balanced setup?  Anyone know anything about the Parasound A23?  

http://www.parasound.com/a23.php

 

Edited February 16, 2016 by shellylh

[calaf]

I don't seem to be able to connect to the benchmark web site, but with the pot at 11PM (are you sure they did not say 11AM?) your output is usually two times higher than line level and the 125+W of the parasound will likely pierce your eardrums...

FWIW I am driving my LS50 using this amp http://www.teac.com/product/ai-2000/ connected in "direct mode" (bypassing the preamp section) to the pre-amp out of my Oppo-BDP105. Listening from about 8ft away in a medium sized room I keep the Oppo volume at 50-60% for most recordings.  

[Voltron]

Hello Paolo!  Glad to see you posting over here.  Thanks for sharing your LS50 setup.  

[swt61]

Since it's a desktop system, I'd also consider the Zamp. I have two (run bridged) and have been really happy with them. The smaller footprint might be nice.

I doubt the fully balanced system would be a large audible gain.

http://www.parasound.com/zamp-v3.php

Edited February 16, 2016 by swt61
adding

[shellylh]

7 hours ago, calaf said:

I don't seem to be able to connect to the benchmark web site, but with the pot at 11PM (are you sure they did not say 11AM?) your output is usually two times higher than line level and the 125+W of the parasound will likely pierce your eardrums...

FWIW I am driving my LS50 using this amp http://www.teac.com/product/ai-2000/ connected in "direct mode" (bypassing the preamp section) to the pre-amp out of my Oppo-BDP105. Listening from about 8ft away in a medium sized room I keep the Oppo volume at 50-60% for most recordings.  

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0321/7609/files/DAC2_Series_Manual_Rev_D.pdf?1417

Oops, I meant 11 o'clock, not am or pm (see p. 14).   I have set the jumpers to -20db output.  i am guessing that the balanced output is just going to be way to high and that I should stick with an unbalanced amp. 

6 hours ago, swt61 said:

Since it's a desktop system, I'd also consider the Zamp. I have two (run bridged) and have been really happy with them. The smaller footprint might be nice.

I doubt the fully balanced system would be a large audible gain.

http://www.parasound.com/zamp-v3.php

I've thought about that amp.  How well built is it?  Would I need to buy two or just run one like usual?  Do you know anything about the Parasound 275v2 (75 watt amp).  

Also, wondering about the NAD amps and the Rega Brio.

Edited February 17, 2016 by shellylh

[swt61]

I'm running fairly large, inefficient speakers with them, but for your purposes one amp would work fine. It is very solidly built, and has a beast of a traffo in it. 

[johnwmclean]

A Pass first watt could be worth investigating.

[calaf]

On 2/17/2016 at 9:36 PM, shellylh said:

Oops, I meant 11 o'clock, not am or pm (see p. 14).   I have set the jumpers to -20db output.  i am guessing that the balanced output is just going to be way to high and that I should stick with an unbalanced amp. 

yes that makes sense. 12 o'clock is where many preamp outputs are ~line level. BTW I forgot to mention that I also have added -12db attenuators in  my TEAC (unbalanced) bypass input

[Dusty Chalk]

I think we also need to know whether that is a 12 hour clock or a 24 hour clock.

Musical Fidelity is always nice.  They have amps from toebreakers to the petite ones like the XT100 or the X150.