Preamp/ Amp for Kef Reference speakers (1 Viewer)

[katers44]

I have a theater room with two Kef Reference 205s in the front, two 201s in the rear and a 202 center channel. I am having a hard time determining what receiver or separates to buy that will showcase the speakers well but not be too expensive. I currently own the Denon 4310CI, but it is grossly underpowering the speakers and is muddy sounding. I have demoed Rotel, McIntosh, Classe, and Anthem and love the sound, but they are just so spendy...Can you recommend a good receiver or separates that will be in the $4k to $5k range that will do the speakers justice? Thanks.

 

[John Brill]

For $799 you can get an Emotiva XPA-2 (external amp) giving you 300 wpc (8 ohms) or 500 wpc (4 ohms) that you can hook-up to the Left and Right pre-outs. Nothing wrong with the processing in the 4310CI.

 

[Adam Gregorich]

I've had the reference 3s and then the reference 2s combined with a 200C center channel and their THX reference surrounds (can't remember the model #). This was 10+ years ago before I had heard of Emotiva. Back then I had Pioneer Elite M-91 AMPs.

 

[Joe Gambino]

I have the Reference 203s and the 202c for my front 3 with Q15s for rears and my Lexicon CX5 amp provides plenty of power for them in a 28x11 room. I have the Onkyo 885 for my pre/pro and I''m extremely happy with the sound. Check Audiogon for used and demo multichannel amps nd try the Denon as a pre/pro.

Joe