Can i get some Speaker Amplifier recommendations for a amp under 300$? Looking for something to power the KEF Q1 Meta Bookshelf Speakers.
Fosi V3 is usually my go to for budget friendly offerings.
I heard a lot about Fossi but a 89$ amp, idk. thanks but is there anything higher quality?
I run 2 of them into my definitive technology DM40s. They aren’t nice class A amps but damn it’s tough to beat on a budget.
If you want more expensive I’d look into the emotiva lineup, I do run a A100 in my office and it sounds great.
Two of them? Are they mono? i dont really understand the mono stuff. ho does that work?
They are 2 channel but I have them running in bridged mode with the bigger power supplies.
Do you already have your source and preamp gear sorted out?
look at the used market. You can pick up some real bargains if you shop carefully.
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By source are you talking about my holo dac?
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I replaced a large, heavy class AB, biased heavy to A, amp designed by now deceased but world renowned amp designer Bascom King. The BHK 250 is a hybrid tube amp. I liked how it rendered music but I could forecast the day I’d not be able to move it when needed, at 90lbs.
I found 3e Audio. A maker that has supplied OEM amp modules to some of the world highest end class D makers. They have sold kits for years but few knew this and finally made a couple units for direct sale.
I have the 3e A5 stereo class D post filter feedback model. It compares exceedingly well with the BHK. I had both for a few weeks before selling the BHK.
Some of the Fosi use a similar design PFFB but from my readings I do believe 3e is top of the heap. I paid less than $200 a few months ago so it was very low risk. No idea if you can get them anymore with the current tax situation.
Yes.
I am just trying to get an idea of the type of amp you are looking for. Integrated amps include volume attenuation (aka preamp), while power amps have no volume attenuation therefor you would need a stand alone preamp, or a DAC that includes a preamp function.
I looked for the 3e A7 amp but could not find it anywhere. The link off Aliexpress says “Sorry, some items are not available. Please edit your order.”
I suspect there was a limited run and now with the current climate may not be available for some time outside of China
Have you considered an older, or even vintage stereo receiver? The power amp stage of many of the mainstay stereos of the ‘70’s were fantastic, and many from the ‘80’s, while not quite as schmoove were still quite good.
I am currently powering my Boston Accoustic HD5’s off a Yamaha receiver from the mid ‘80’s, I picked up for $50, and I’ve no doubt it Sounds leagues better than anything I would pay $80 for new today.
If you don’t want to use the pre-amp in the receiver, look for one with a “pre-out, main-in” loop, you can just use the power amp if you so choose.
For your Q1 metas a Harmon Kardon 430 would work some magic. The so-called “twin power” receivers from HK were true dual-mono designs, from separate power supplies all the way through. While they didn’t lay down the biggest wattage numbers, their high current design had no trouble providing driving authority on even quite demanding speakers. You should be able to find a 430 on eBay or Craigslist for right around your $300 budget, if they haven’t gone too crazy since last I checked…
thanks, but looking for something compact and new. like all these cool new porducts im hearing about lol