[rkinmoval]

I've been driving my LS9s for years with a Parasound HCA-2003 (200 x 3).  After 24 years, my trusty steed is starting to blow fuses just by turning the amp on. 

The amp came before the speakers in my set up.  I haven't decided if I want to repair or replace just yet.  That said, if I were to replace, what would you recommend to properly drive the LS9s?  Thanks in advance!

[SoCalWJS]

My 2 cents.......... Hopefully Soundofrockets will chime in - he's tried a bunch of amps with his LS9's. I've heard a couple of them and formed my own opinions, but they were relatively short listening periods - just a couple of hours with them. I will say that the Amps he had both sounded very good, but different. 1 SS, 1 Tube.

First of all, I have LS6's, so not the same speaker. They have a lot in common until you hit the bottom octave or 2. However, it's those bottom octaves that can place a lot of stress on an amp, so take it with a big grain of salt.

I'll start by saying what DIDN't work well with them - Emotiva XPA-1's and a Classe CAV-150 (multi channel HT Amp). Both had plenty of power and drove them well. They had decent tone and balance. However they were a bit short on Imaging - especially regarding the depth of the soundstage. I have also tried a small Class D amp (Folsom Chip amp) that sounds better, but just doesn't have enough power. to drive them in a large space. It sounds much better driving the Super 7's top end.

I bought a pair of used Odyssey Kismet mono blocks in Khartago cases with several upgrades. I only tried it with the LS6's for a short period of time, but long enough to know that they outperformed the other Amps by a considerable margin. I now use them with the Super 7's and am pretty happy. I am a bit behind on the latest upgrades, but I'm told that they are even better now. Great Amps!

[mkrawcz]

What is your budget? 

[S Clark]

I've been happy with a Moscode 401HR for 7-8 years.  I know member Arthurs also had the same combo for a while.  You need some power with the LS9's. 

[rkinmoval]

What is your budget? 

That's a fair question.  The reality is I'm looking at this like I got "one shot".  My wife isn't excited at the prospect of replacing the amp I have now but understands that "you get what you pay for" applies in some aspect.  I asked what electronics item she has that lasted 24 years.  Needless to say she can appreciate that.  An amplifier is not something I tend to have a case of "upgradeitis" on either so I'd rather do it right.

I've tried preparing her by saying the equivalent Parasound today is around $3,500.  She cringed a little so my guess is I need to stay around that or below to keep a happy home.  At the same time, I'm left wondering if I've ever really heard what these speakers are capable of using my 200x3 Parasound from 1996.  Give the fact I likely have one shot, if there is a compelling reason to spend more and I'd be able to sleep well at night knowing the extra $ was worth it, I might be able to justify a little more.  On the other hand, if I can get amazing performance for less, why would I spend more?  I guess my main concern at the end of the day is not going backwards and making sure it's a good value.

[rkinmoval]

I've been happy with a Moscode 401HR for 7-8 years.  I know member Arthurs also had the same combo for a while.  You need some power with the LS9's.

Ideally I'd like to find a 3 channel amp as I am using LS9s in the left, center, and right speaker positions.  I did take a look at that amp.  Looks like a very nice piece of equipment and am sure I would enjoy it.  I've never listened to a hybrid amp before.  You've certainly sparked my curiosity. 

[soundofrockets]

Hi - I have used a variety of amps to match the LS9 and LS center
Parasound Halo A51
Parasound Halo A21
XPA 1 monoblocks
Rogue Apollo’s with Dark Upgrades
Kismet (odyssey) with all the new sauce by Klaus B

During our get togethers others have brought some other amps
Melody amps - tubes
Nuforce- digital
? BMC - solid state

Prior to getting the upgrades for Kismets - the best match was the BMC.

Since I got the Rogues and Kismets - they have taken the top stop.
Kismets are fast, transparent, clean and gives me everything I need.
Rogues are for special occasions - smooth, silky, warm and sensual!!

Give Klaus a call - he will take care of you and you will not be disappointed and will be good for the next 25 years.

[HT cOz]

You should really consider a Purifi amp. I have one and could very well stop looking for amps after this.  I think some of the companies will let you try them out for 30 days. I would also look at Orchard Audio and their Gallium Nitride transistors. I have a good article from AudioXpress on the two if you interested in reading it.

[mkrawcz]

That's a fair question.  The reality is I'm looking at this like I got "one shot".  My wife isn't excited at the prospect of replacing the amp I have now but understands that "you get what you pay for" applies in some aspect.  I asked what electronics item she has that lasted 24 years.  Needless to say she can appreciate that.  An amplifier is not something I tend to have a case of "upgradeitis" on either so I'd rather do it right.

I've tried preparing her by saying the equivalent Parasound today is around $3,500.  She cringed a little so my guess is I need to stay around that or below to keep a happy home.  At the same time, I'm left wondering if I've ever really heard what these speakers are capable of using my 200x3 Parasound from 1996.  Give the fact I likely have one shot, if there is a compelling reason to spend more and I'd be able to sleep well at night knowing the extra $ was worth it, I might be able to justify a little more.  On the other hand, if I can get amazing performance for less, why would I spend more?  I guess my main concern at the end of the day is not going backwards and making sure it's a good value.

If you are using all 3 channels for music, I would recommend trying the PS Audio m700 monoblocks. You can trial them for 30 days and return them for a full refund if you don't like them. That is in the ballpark of your price range. You can trade in your old gear for a discount and maybe even get more off if you contact their sales department directly. I got 40% off when I traded in my Parasound Halo JC1's for the BHK300 monos. If you only use the center channel for home theater, I would spend more and get the BHK250 stereo amp. It's one of the finest sounding amps in the world at any price. Then just get a lesser monoblock for the center channel.

[HT cOz]

You should really consider a Purifi amp. I have one and could very well stop looking for amps after this.  I think some of the companies will let you try them out for 30 days. I would also look at Orchard Audio and their Gallium Nitride transistors. I have a good article from AudioXpress on the two if you interested in reading it.

This would be a killer setup, you can choose the input buffer to match your taste.  It would be hard to go wrong with this setup in 3 channel.  https://www.apollonaudio.com/3-channel-purifi-1et400a-apollon-audio/

[Bill Baker]

It  you really want to hear them sing with tubes, pair them with a nice set of 845 or 805 tubes. I ran 40 watts of 805 power with mine I. It was brain numbing....in a good way.
Just another option to consider.

[mojave]

I'd recommend the Digital Amplifier Company 3-CHerry. You can borrow 2-3 of my In-Line 60V Maraschino King amps if you want to get a feel for what they sound like.

[rkinmoval]

Thank you all for the suggestions!  Lots of good stuff to consider.  I spoke with Parasound this week and they estimated $300 for labor plus parts and shipping both ways.  Likely will be closer to $500 all in. 

Mojave, I may still take you up on that.  May have to find a time for you to stop over for some critical listening and set up.

Going to dig out the meter and try and follow the circuit path to see where the short might exist but leaning towards putting that money towards a new model. Just need to decide which one.  Thanks again!