Thrasher Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 (edited) I am just getting started a bit.... ok, a lot... I have a pair of Epic CF-2, ver.1, all stock no mods, that I hooked up to my Marantz 2270 (little over 70 wpc). The sound is good, but they seem under powered. Any suggestions? I had been under the impression that these speakers would come to life with this set up. Not the case? Ideas or suggestions would be great. They don't sound bad, they just don't really hit or sound as I'd think they should. I may sell the 2270 and look for something different. Suggestions? Also, I am still needing to add a sub and a nice cd player as well. Not wanting to go too modern...so keeping that in mind when trying to choose an amp as well. Edited February 16, 2015 by Thrasher 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbtwsp Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 As I said in another post, I think the CF's and some Klipsch like more power. I have CF3's and am using a 100wpc Yamaha. Bob 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrasher Posted February 16, 2015 Author Share Posted February 16, 2015 Amp suggestions, or are there too many nice amps to pair those with? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivervalleymgb Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 I use a variety without problems. Currently I am pushing them with a 35 watt HH Scott. They want more than that, but the 35 watts pushing them pretty well. I have also used my modded Adcom 555ii, modded Sansui AU7900, stock Sansui Seven Deluxe, 8080DB, G6700, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbtwsp Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 Amp suggestions, or are there too many nice amps to pair those with? I have not tried this yet, but what I think may be a good match would be the Rogue Audio Sphinx integrated amp, it is a tube hybrid which still gives a bit tube sound but a solid state output fro the power. The Sphinx is 100wpc and it is getting good reviews. http://www.rogueaudio.com/Products_sphinx.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusaDude Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 (edited) As I said in another post, I think the CF's and some Klipsch like more power. I have CF3's and am using a 100wpc Yamaha. Bob I agree as well... The Epic CF's and the KLF series seem to really like a good, solid amp. Even on my CF-1's, I'm using a Carver 6250 receiver (rated 125 wpc) and they sound great. One thing about the CF's is they are smoother and more laid back. And I think it catches some people by surprise, as they don't have the typical "Klipsch" sound. Now I wouldn't run the full rated power (200 wpc continuous, 800 wpc peak) through a nice set of CF-2's. But I think those specs say a lot about what they're capable of. http://www.klipsch.com/cf-2/details Edited February 16, 2015 by GPBusa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teaman Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 My suggestion is an Emotiva XPA-2. Gen 1 is fine. 250 wpc@8ohms and really sounds nice paired with Klipsch. You can find them used in the $450 range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avguytx Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 I run a Carver M-1.0t MkII (400+wpc) on my CF-3's and KLF-30's and, I agree, they do like more power than less. At least to my ears they work ok with less but they seem to be lacking when that's done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexg5775 Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 I have my cf4's with a marantz 2252b for the highs and use the preamp outs to feed a crest ca6 pro amp rated a 350 @ 8 ohms to power the woofers. They sounds very very good with the benefit of being pasively biamped and able to tame the tweeter or up the woofers if you wish.. I highly suggest you give it a try. Try doing some research. Might just be a better cheaper option for you as well and you can keep the marantz. Hope i helped and dont hesitate to concact me with further questions. Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiva Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 i have read that the CF3's and 4's can dip below 3 ohms and though efficient, can be demanding on an amplifier. You want a amp that can handle the dips and not strain. I used a Rotel RB991 for many years and loved the sound with my CF3's. It was 200 watts a side at 8ohms and over 300 watts at 4. Does your Marantz have preouts for adding an amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbtwsp Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 (edited) i have read that the CF3's and 4's can dip below 3 ohms and though efficient, can be demanding on an amplifier. You want a amp that can handle the dips and not strain. I called a Klipsch tech support about this a few years back and he told me the impedance can dip, I think the best amp would be solid state as sometimes tubes like a fairly flat or even impedance range. Edited February 17, 2015 by rbtwsp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrasher Posted February 17, 2015 Author Share Posted February 17, 2015 Hmmm, wow. A bit overwhelming with the choices. I need an easy button. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avguytx Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Find you a non inverting Carver M-1.0t amp and have one of the Carver guys make it into a MkII Opt 002 and you won't have to worry about power or impedance dips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbtwsp Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 What is your budget? Try looking on Audiogon & Audio Asylum both good sites with good people like this site. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrasher Posted February 18, 2015 Author Share Posted February 18, 2015 Find you a non inverting Carver M-1.0t amp and have one of the Carver guys make it into a MkII Opt 002 and you won't have to worry about power or impedance dips. Like this??? http://www.ebay.com/itm/191512688908?rmvSB=true Within budget.... Was trying to stay with older Vintage, however.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avguytx Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Yep. Like that one. Are you wanting to go vintage receiver? I'm not a big receiver fan myself but some like them. Also a Proton D1200 would be a beast of an amp...and I like those big meters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrickdj1 Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 A Yamaha M 70 would do a nice job rated for 200 watts/ch. They run $225-325 on CL or Ebay. These are considered some of Yamaha greatest amp. Even those they are vintage, they are powerful, clean and have a black noise floor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrasher Posted February 18, 2015 Author Share Posted February 18, 2015 Hmmm, so many good choices and all within the budget. Decisions, decisions... How to choose? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrasher Posted February 18, 2015 Author Share Posted February 18, 2015 (edited) With so many quality options, is it merely a matter of flipping a coin at this point based on item availability? Bang for the buck with all the previous options listed, ie Carver, Yamaha M70, Proton D1200, etc... What do you guys go off of when taking the plunge with your decisions? Take a chance and simply buy it and listen? http://www.ebay.com/itm/221691095933?rmvSB=true http://www.ebay.com/itm/191512688908?rmvSB=true http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-M-70-NATURAL-SOUND-400-WATT-STEREO-POWER-AMPLIFIER-AMP-PRISTINE-/251839989199?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aa2d545cf Or, keep looking? Edited February 18, 2015 by Thrasher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avguytx Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Well, I'm rather Carver biased as will anyone be to the things they own. But that M-1.0t MkII is a beast of an amp and great sounding. Russ Kall is the one who rebuilt my amp and its outstanding. There are lots of people in Carver forum who would help out in a second for anyone with Carver gear, too. The Proton I've always had a huge amour of respect for in an amp and heard it run Magnepans, Infinity Kappa 7's and 9's surprisingly well, too. That Yamaha is a good amp but I've not personally had as much dealings with them. I'd be careful with that seller though as they have a 0 feedback rating and he gives NO description of his own about the amp; just a copy/paste from a website or another auction. I'd steer clear of that one unless it could be picked up locally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.