What source and amplification would you use to drive KEF LS50 speakers?

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Ah, I've just done the searching, QualiFi who imports Marantz into Australia don't seem to be stocking Melody Media M-CR511 (which I believe to be good contender and easily found in HiFi stores alongside KEF LS50s for auditioning if QualiFi had ordered...

 

Sadly, same as America who didn't trust itself to be able to successfully sell it :

And also' date=' of this current [b']Melody Series[/b], the USA have not ordered any M-CR511 aka Melody Stream :

 

 

Sigh, official-importers (too) are idiosyncratic... Will mention New Zealand's another day

It's UK listing, Overview :

This easy-to-use unit is your open doorway to an endless supply of new digital media. The network features a Wi-Fi connection at the touch of a button (upgraded to high speed 11n, for a faster and more reliable connection), a new digital input for TV, a USB connection on the front, and a second rear USB for extra convenience. It will charge your iDevices even when in standby mode. It also supports ALAC, 192kHz / 24bit high resolution WAV, FLAC, AIFF files, and Gapless playback. With the M-CR511 you can now enjoy Spotify Connect, as well as a host of other digital media and streaming features. Alongside listening to millions of songs on the world’s most popular online music service, the Melody Stream allows playback of music libraries stored on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) or a computer, provide access to thousands of free internet radio stations, and even support Apple AirPlay. Listeners can also take control via an Android and iOS compatible Marantz Hi-Fi Remote app. Flaunting an extraordinarily stylish and elegant design, the M-CR511 also features a new acrylic top cover, providing an anti-scratch coating to help keep the system in pristine condition.

If really keen, perhaps bring it into Oz like people do from neighbours like Singapore...

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My current thinking is... Integrated AMP with built in DAC like the Marantz PM 7005, which produces 60 watts and a decent DAC, with USB, optical nd coaxial inputs.

 

 

Aside form measurements of « continuous » RMS, they've improved the « momentary current » in their 005 suffixed iterations...

Recalling these Marantz graphs' date=' from one generation to the next, of [/font']« momentary current » capability :

 

SPL's equal, the more power (or current) you feed these speakers, the more lively and more energy and control they will deliver.

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The Marantz [HD-AMP1's] not enough to drive the KEF's.

 

Is your verdict from having already auditioned ?

Quoting from Andrew Everard—who had :

Exceeding expectations

 

And the HD-AMP1 is more than up to the task of exceeding expectations' date=' as it demonstrated when used with the big Bowers & Wilkins speakers: it really shouldn’t have worked, but it not only drove the 803 D3s, but did so in an entirely convincing fashion, whether with the fine detail of solo or small-ensemble classical music, or pounding or rock with all its impact intact.

 

Not that you need to go as far as the big floorstanders from Worthing to hear what the HD-AMP1 can do: I had good results when using it with much more affordable floorstanders, in the form of the long-discontinued PMC GB1 speakers, some high-quality compact speakers I have on-site for review at the moment, and even the little Neat Iotas I use as my desktop loudspeakers.

 

[img']http://www.stereosound.co.jp/news/article/2015/11/04/news_151104_marantz_02.jpg[/img]

 

In fact, whatever you choose to drive with it, the Marantz shines, and it’s also more than capable of revealing the benefits of stepping up through the choice of hi-res files on offer out there, as was apparent when comparing DSD64 and DSD128 versions of the same track, and even the very few DSD256 files I have in my library.

 

Played through the Bowers & Wilkins speakers in particular, the HD-AMP1 just delivers more presence and sparkle as you move up through the DSD spectrum, but it’s also entirely convincing both when used with more modest speakers and when playing files at standard CD resolution. This is an amplifier you can buy with confidence for your current music collection, knowing it has the wherewithal to handle whichever direction your purchases may take you in the future.

 

Just occasionally I come across a product beyond the extremely good and well into truly special territory – having used the HD-AMP1 for a while now, I’m convinced the Marantz team has done it again. Compact it may be, but this amplifier has definite giant-killing ability, and is one of the most convincing products in its sector this side of £1000, if not beyond...

Plus, this January 9, 2016 Comment under AE's review :

I mean, the sound of the HD-AMP1 is MUCH better than the PM8005.

Now I could test it with a pair of KEF LS50 against an Arcam A49 [with a massive 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 400 into 4 ohms. It delivers 50 watts in pure class A mode] – you wont [sic] believe, but i prefere [sic] the HD-AMP1 from marantz again !

Regards from Germa[n]y,

Ul

Which country are you ? Well, mine, New Zealand has low-priority for Marantz shipments—I won't be able to audition it until...

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Entity calling itself JW Audio, you're but a shadow of your real self ; your verisimilitudes, shadow's shadow of practicality.

 

You write of what you've not tested, nor studied (see also #112 and #123).

 

And anchoring your latest contempt, disrespecting Chris by feigning surprise—implying his dereliction as site owner and that you-know-better how...

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Speaking of Chris, where should he send the bill for all the Marantz advertising ?

 

How do you address your own, desert-a-flicker ? Have you asked, for example, MM and M ?

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If you, as entity Ajax, have the gall to flippantly reduce my « 400 posts » to « of only Marantz products » then you « take 24 hours to consider what I have [really] written before... »

 

Do you not perceive that most of CA are « simply repeating [it]self » ? And you want me to be similar to you and your ilk ??

Hi Wilhelm,

 

JW Audio's post was not disrespectful to you IMO and did not warrant your response.

 

Before you also get upset with me please understand that I (and many others here at CA) appreciate your enthusiasm for Marantz products. I have listened to them for over 40 years since my older brother bought home a 1066 amp in 1975 and I recently purchased the PM 6005. Marantz make great stuff.

 

Having said that the point of this Forum for me, and most others, is to learn about audio theory and new products as well as enjoy a bit of banter and camaraderie. Your continual promotion of only Marantz products has now come to saturation point and in the vast majority of your 400 posts since going CA you are simply repeating yourself. Also if someone disagrees with you, or asks that you tame your obsession with Marantz, you become hostile and defensive.

 

I would therefore ask that you use this forum to further your own education into what other products are available and to also respect those people who challenge or disagree with your opinions.

 

Please take 24 hours to consider what I have written before responding as I'm simply trying to help you see what others see.

 

All the best,

 

 

Ajax

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Returning to LS50, for you who haven't searched what it is, from KEF's own YouTube Channel :

From their kef.com...LS50/fact_sheet :

Amplifier requirements = 25 - 100 WSensitivity (2.83V/1m) = 85dB

Nominal impedance = 8Ω (min. 3.2Ω)

Dimension (H x W x D with terminal) = 302 x 200 x 278 mm (11.9 x 7.9 x 10.9 in.)

 

 

And while searching I saw that hifi-gegler.de deem it fitting to bundle it with my original suggestion of Melody Series, albeit M-CR611 for EUR 1.600 :

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No.

 

Wilhelm, add me to your ignore list. PLEASE!

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Fetch, a 4est

Chris, have you considered asking Marantz to sponsor a thread? You have a moderator already available...

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Quickly, events are falling in place that I'm okay with possibly replying to 2/3 I've named in my Ignore list—which I declared so readers know those I don't publicly spond to (started, you can check the dates, after esldude tried again to engage me after my #51 above).

 

As I recently said privately to Jud :

Thing was' date=' I felt your mistrust towards me. And I've not the time nor energy to write and argue with you publicly. In short I...

 

You understand I've no particular ill will for you ?[/quote']

 

Who's left ? Well, I'm certain the second and third of those named in my Chris Connaker's reminder of « your ignore lists » are hopeless entities (for me but probably not for you).

More details later

 

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Unfortunately we have not been able to listen to the combination, however, I have read so many good things about Nuforce on this site (now Nuprime) and their amplification technology so we decided to take a leap of faith.

 

Interesting, anyone else wants to share their own or a friend's « leap of faith » episode ?

 

Incidentally, since school days, I always remember first Gloucester in Act 4, scene 6...

 

No, certainly not All's Well That Ends Well

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That's part of what I'm interested in, « expectations » are nebulous unless defined ? And you had other loudspeakers before purchasing ? What would people expect of speakers (and indeed Hi-Fi) if they've never owned any before ? Are you surprised by the many confessions of 'new to audiophile [mindset, equipment selection]' in the forums ? And some of the advice they get...

 

I purchased them, and it worked out quite well - they exceeded my expectations.

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I mentioned it back at #30

 

New Zealand importer's order not yet delivered. Someone, in a country that has both, should try auditioning at a dealer...

 

Is that enough oomph for those? Haven't heard that combo.

 

Marantz US | HD-AMP1

 

 

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You know, these public conversations...

 

It's 11:21 NZDT and there are tasks, rather than CA discourse, I should focus on.

 

 

A quick couple of links, first (11m16s) :

 

Secondly, Johan Coorg « KEF’s head of brand development » hosted Stereophile's Three Days in England with KEF

 

 

Will write you better another time

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Incidentally, 11.2 MHz DSD＆384 kHz 32 bit PCM (¥140,000) HD-AMP1 too uses Hypex UcD, has « sub out and bass management » plus other features...

 

MSRP : $1,099 in America

 

 

 

Currently using emotiva dc-1 dac and diy Hypex ncore 400's to drive the Ls50's. All told about $2k. I'm very satisfied. I only wish the dc-1 had sub out and bass management.

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Quickly commenting on your last sentence (will return to others when I've more time) :

I wish they would have used Hypex amps with a little more juice though.

 

How's your German ? What one can definitely hear is « Class D... Oktober... » :

 

And a couple of photos :

 

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I merely quoted your exact words. See #55 :

I have read so many good things about Nuforce on this site (now Nuprime) and their amplification technology so we decided to take a leap of faith.

 

What I might conclusively « call » what you two did will have to wait. You gild-so-long. Plus, there's no urgency for me to rush the reply.

 

Hi Wilhelm,

 

I don't know if you would call what we did "a leap of faith".

 

My nephew and I first heard the LS50s in a audio shop powered by a NAD 50W amp prior to purchase. We were both very taken with the sound. I was actually considering the NAD 7050 due to the excellent connectivity when I think alligatorman & firedog suggested the Ida-8. I did some research and summarised that based on the 50W NAD's performance with the LS50s the 100W Nuprime Ida-8 would have plenty of power.

 

I also summarised that if a mid range NAD amp (don't know what model but it was about $US500), sounded great then based on the rave reviews in the audio press and the complementary comments here at CA about both Nuforce and Nuprime amps, the Ida-8 would certainly be the equal of the NAD, but most likely much better. Also the Ida 8 ticked all our boxes for connectivity and being very compact and user friendly.

 

If it was a risk then IMO a very small and calculated one. I'm heading over to my nephews this afternoon to do some serious listening, and maybe drink a few beers!

 

All the best,

 

 

Ajax

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As you're writing publicly, it's very naive to say :

The important thing is my nephew and his partner are very happy.

 

Are readers' things unimportant ?

 

In short, you provided an inept example of how to purchase.

 

Your end does not justifies the means (of buying Hi-Fi without auditioning).

After some shopping around the total cost of the system was $A3,000

 

Well, everyone, let's discuss the role of specialist dealers, should we pay for their expertise—in-store and after-sales services ?

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Ah, already « 7 years » masquerading as Ajax...

 

My English is preferably old, but so's « criticism » ; as Pope wrote (but you'll likely miss the irony) in his An Essay on Criticism :

« Nay, fly to Altars ; there they'll talk you dead ;

For Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread. »

 

And as to your reflexive verbosity, I'll help you recall :

Yorick is as good as theirs.

 

"He who knows not and knows not that he knows not' date=' he is a fool".

[/i']

"YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW AND YOU DON'T KNOW YOU DON'T KNOW"

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Folks usually just go off of what they know, so they tend to recomened what they know and own. Despite how the OP...

 

Ajax, who doesn't « own » (nor, subsequently, will he really « know » well) the IDA-8, said « we decided to take a leap of faith. »

 

Well, the rest of us shouldn't leap unnecessarily, remember proverbial lemmings...

 

Incidentally, from Alaska Department of Fish and Game :

« Lemmings can swim and will cross bodies of water in their quest for greener pastures. Sometimes they drown. Dispersal and accidental death is a far cry from the instinctive, deliberate mass suicide depicted in "White Wilderness," but Hibbler explains that life is tough in the lemmings' "weird world of frozen chaos." The voice-over implies that lemmings take the plunge every seven to ten years... »