Best amp for KEF LS50 - NAD D3045 vs C268 vs Crown XLI1500/2500

[ethanhallbeyer]

I've been looking for the best bang for the buck amplifier that would get the most out of the KEF LS50, without paying an arm and a leg for something like an NAD M32, Benchmark AHB2, or the like.. all over $2000+. I've ruled out the LS50 Wireless primarily because I'm concerned about reliability and need for repair after the 5-year warranty period ends. Based on the number of posts I've come across about people having to send their units in for repair, it has turned me away. Also, I like the idea of being able to change my amp/dac down the road if needed.

So, that has me looking at a few amps:
1. Crown XLI1500/2500. These look like great bang for the buck but the THD of 0.3 is not great, although the damping factor of > 200 looks pretty good. It's the lowest cost option of the ones I've listed that I'm considering at about $400, and considerably more wattage. XLR inputs (not sure if it's balanced).

2. NAD D3045. This is a digital amp but seems to give good results with KEF LS50. Also has built-in DAC so I could probably sell off my Chi-Fi Xiang Sheng DAC-05A (Burr Brown balanced DAC). Damping factor is > 300, but wattage is only 60W per channel. Has a remote and HDMI so I could connect to my TV as well. No balanced XLR inputs, only RCA but if I get rid of my external DAC it wouldn't matter.

3. NAD C268. This is a hybrid amp that's 80W per channel. Balanced XLR inputs, so I can use my external DAC. Wattage wise, 20W more per channel than D3045. Damping factor is also > 300 like the D3045. This amp costs $100 more than the D3045 ($799 vs $699).

Which amp out of the above 3 would bring the most out of the KEF LS50?

Thanks!

 

[Hemi-Demon]

Not necessarily on your list, but I would recommend 150-200W for these as they really aren't the most efficient speakers in the world. I have owned the Crown amp, and it works, but it's pretty dirty. Maybe find a used Cambridge 651 or 851.

 

[Darwin]

Having owned the LS50W which had to be sent back twice (at my expense) for issues you are right not to get one. Plus it only has a measly one year warranty. Sounds great but not worth the trouble.

 

[LTig]

I've been looking for the best bang for the buck amplifier that would get the most out of the KEF LS50, without paying an arm and a leg for something like an NAD M32, Benchmark AHB2, or the like.. all over $2000+. I've ruled out the LS50 Wireless primarily because I'm concerned about reliability and need for repair after the 5-year warranty period ends. Based on the number of posts I've come across about people having to send their units in for repair, it has turned me away. [..]

I don't know how important it is to you to have LS50 speakers. As similar sized active speakers I can recommend both Neumann KH120 and the Genelec 8x3x series. Both are professional speakers with 5" low-mid drivers and built to last (workhorses for studio and on the road). No need to worry about breakdown.

And both are cheaper (except the 3-way Genelecs) than the LS50W; the next bigger Genelecs 8040 (6.5" driver) are still cheaper than LS50W, the even more bigger 8050 (8" driver) are a bit more expensive.

 

[ethanhallbeyer]

I don't know how important it is to you to have LS50 speakers. As similar sized active speakers I can recommend both Neumann KH120 and the Genelec 8x3x series. Both are professional speakers with 5" low-mid drivers and built to last (workhorses for studio and on the road). No need to worry about breakdown.

And both are cheaper (except the 3-way Genelecs) than the LS50W; the next bigger Genelecs 8040 (6.5" driver) are still cheaper than LS50W, the even more bigger 8050 (8" driver) are a bit more expensive.

I've heard good things about Genelecs and have heard of at least one audiophile using them over your typical audiophile speaker brands that cost a fair amount of money. It got me curious about them but I already have LS50 so that's what I'm looking to get the most out of.

 

[ethanhallbeyer]

Having owned the LS50W which had to be sent back twice (at my expense) for issues you are right not to get one. Plus it only has a measly one year warranty. Sounds great but not worth the trouble.

That sucks that it's only 1 year warranty. I assumed longer for some reason.

 

[ethanhallbeyer]

Not necessarily on your list, but I would recommend 150-200W for these as they really aren't the most efficient speakers in the world. I have owned the Crown amp, and it works, but it's pretty dirty. Maybe find a used Cambridge 651 or 851.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Ron Texas]

Ty a Hypex amp from Nord or Appolon. Under $1,000 for some models. I am getting good results with a Crown XLS 1502. It also has a DSP which allows rolling off the mains making adding a subwoofer a lot easier. It's been tested on this site and there are many positive user reviews on Amazon.

 

[Darwin]

That sucks that it's only 1 year warranty. I assumed longer for some reason.

2 years in europe where they have actual consumer protections.

 

[SmarterthanU]

2 years in europe where they have actual consumer protections.

Europe also has substantially less wealth generation due to a more socialistic government which restricts business. Always better, more effective and efficient to let the consumer make their own buying decisions then be told by the government what you should buy (or sell).

 

[LTig]

Europe also has substantially less wealth generation due to a more socialistic government which restricts business. Always better, more effective and efficient to let the consumer make their own buying decisions then be told by the government what you should buy (or sell).

Where is the Dislike button?

 

[daftcombo]

Europe also has substantially less wealth generation due to a more socialistic government which restricts business. Always better, more effective and efficient to let the consumer make their own buying decisions then be told by the government what you should buy (or sell).

There are so many random thoughts in this statement I don't know where to begin with to disagree.

 

[cletus3x]

Back to the topic. I have the LS50 and the D3045 on my desktop. It is one of the best sounding setups I have owned.
Desk is a little messy but figured I would share.