Suitable Integrated Amp for Kef LS50

The LS50's go really well with the Nait 5i, and I've used them on various other Naim amps and have sounded great every time. The Cyrus might lack a little power to get them to higher levels, but will sound fine at normal volumes. I haven't tried the Kandy with them yet, but I can't see that combination not working.

Hi David,

Thanks for your input

I am worry that my audiolab 8200cd could not match with Naim 5i, as some comments said Naim amp is best suited to Naim CD player. Or it is just a myth?

If you could clarify this, then I would look to audition Naim 5i.

Have a nice day!

Hi Ls50

Your impressions/thoughts of your system are?

 What do you generally listen to?

 Is there anything in particular you would like the new amplifier to have (such as remote, tone controls, mp3 input, headphone socket, phono input etc.)?

The size of your room?

Your listening distance?

Your general listening level?

Interconnects and speaker cables are?

With a new amplifier what areas of improvement and the kind of presentation are you looking for the system to achieve?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Hi Rick,

I listen more to jazz, acoustic and pop music.

My room is quite small, about 10 feet x 10 feet.

Listening level from low to medium volume, I dont hear music too loudly.

Phono input, tone control, mp3 are not my priority.

Currently using oxy fuel interconnect from ZuCable and chord carnival silverscreen speaker cable.

For my new amp, I would like to have more detail and more musical.

My current rotel generates decent bass, but thats all.

I need an amp which can bring out the best of LS50.

Appreciate your comment, have a nice day to you!

A mix of Naim and Audiolab wouldn't be ideal, but there's no reason you can't try it for yourself to see if you like it.

If you like the sound of the 8200CD, try the 8200CDQ with the 8200P power amplifier. The 8200A amplifier will drive them, but the 8200P will do it so much better. The KEF R series and LS50's work very well with the Audiolab stuff, so there's an alternative to the Naim pairing - as I say, the Naims work very well them too. Do try the Kandy option though as that might work well too.

My amp seems to be coping well

You could also try a Creek Destiny 1. It should be somewhere old stock (900 GBP) or secondhand (less likely). Or a good tube-amp (not cheap).

Maybe you can say something about my suggestions, David (from FHH) ?

I love the sound of my Cyrus 6XP / LS50 combination.

I'd use the 8200CD as a pre-amp (It can be switched to pre-amp mode) and get a power amp like the 8200P it would have a very good grip on your speakers to pump out the tunes. It has a very smooth and creamy bass response.

I should hope it is!

Sorry, the last Creek amp I heard was mid 90's!

Just  a quick couple of questions on something i've been thinking about.

Would the LS50's be an improvement over my PMC DB1i's for an upgrade? and if so would my current amp (Marantz Pearl Lite) be able to drive them ok?

Duplicate post.

Hmmm. I think that depends on the criteria you're taking into account. Personally, I feel the LS50's would be an improvement. The reason is that the DB1i has never been one of my favourite speakers anyway - although I appreciated it suited certain people, especially if they want an exciting, easy to drive bookshelf to listen to - so naturally, I will think that. I think the DB1i's will be less demanding on amplification that the LS50's though, but there does seem to be that synergy between Marantz and KEF that could favour the LS50's. I just find the LS50's more accurate with less of the bass warmth I find with the DB1i.

It really is something you would have to hear for yourself though, as you may not even like the sound of the LS50's

Thanks for your reply, interesting... i am one who definitely likes as much detail as possible so maybe the KEF's would be a step up. Just don't want to make a sideways move if you know what i mean.

I also take it from your post that the Pearl Lite shouldn't have any problems driving them?