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I've just purchased new speakers - the KEF iQ5 and am looking for a basic amp (~$150). I've browsed a few forums and came across the following: Pioneer Elite A-35R, Sherwood RX-4105, Harman Kardon HK 3380-Z and the Sonic Impact gen 2 T-amp. Which among these (or any other ~$150 amp) would be a good match with the iQ5? Specs are - 88db sensitivity and 8 ohm impedance, but I believe this falls to ~3.5 ohm around the 80 Hz range. I prefer a slightly warm sound in general, as opposed to bright.
T amps are on the brighter side of neutral, Harmon Kardon's budget equipment has reliability problems, and the Sherwood is kind of drab... The Pioneer Elite A-35R is slightly on the warmer side of neutral, and I think it would make a good match for your speakers, as long as you don't require very loud volumes.
Yes the A-35R seems like a very good choice. What about 'vintage' Marantz/NAD amps that appear regularly on ebay? I know people use them for their headphone outs, but how good would they be for powering speakers (against newer competition).
Marantz and NAD have some solid integrated amps that will give you similar performance. The headphone output on the A-35R is pretty good as well. That Onkyo might be a solid choice. Yamaha makes good budget equipment as well. JVC's receivers are mostly T-amps. It's all up to you.
Try to find reviews for the amps you're looking at. Consider finding a used receiver that has preamplifier outputs and getting a separate power amplifier. It will require more research, but should make for a higher quality system.
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Last edited by infinitesymphony; 05-13-2008 at 01:30 AM.
Well I bought them since I came across an excellent deal. Also, I did some research and while there were a few people who found them bright, most were very impressed. I believe they're very well regarded in the UK.
Anyway, I think I'm probably going with the Pioneer.
Yep, Belden 12 AWG should work well. Termination is up to you... I prefer bare wire, as recommended by Blue Jeans Cable. You may want to think about banana plugs if the iQ7s are jumpered like the photo, otherwise it might be difficult to fit the wire into the post.
Great purchase. Sonic t-amp may not be the sound you are looking for (except trends ta-10), but since you bought a tower maybe you might want an amp with more juice to drive the bass for movies. The A-35R is a quite warm amp actaully. You may want to look at some older NAD models on ebay or Denon PMA which has large sound. But hard to recommend anything new for $150.
It's base on specific models, but I don't really have Harman Kardon and Panasonic in my mind as a warmish sounding brand. All my experiences with them has been the opposite.
Need help - Amp for KEF iQ5?
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