Are you looking for the best amp for KEF LS50? Well, then you have come to the right place. We found and reviewed the top five amplifiers you can pair with KEF LS50.
Arguably one of the most performance-oriented monitor speakers, the KEF LS50 makes your space reverberate with electrifying and high-decibel sound.
Featuring a cabinet layout, the LS50 reproduces the entire frequency spectrum typified by deep bass, crisp midrange, and focused treble.
Pairing the KEF LS50 with a matching amp will enable you to unleash the monitor’s superb soundstage fully. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our list.
The 5 Best Amplifiers for KEF LS50 Speakers
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha A-S701SL (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Denon PMA-600NE (Close Runner-Up) | Check Price |
 | Cambridge Audio CXA61 | Check Price |
 | Denon PMA-800NE | Check Price |
 | NAD - D 3020 | Check Price |
1. Yamaha A-S701SL (Editor’s Choice)
If you’re looking to create a high-fidelity hi-res 2-channel audio or stereo system for the first time, then choose A-701SL. The Yamaha A-S701SL offering up to 120W per channel RMS power at 6ῼ impedance goes a long way in allowing you to stretch your aural perspective.
At the same time, this stereo integrated Yamaha amp comes with a built-in DAC for hooking up Blu-Ray/DVD players and HDTVs. On the other hand, the A-S701SL furnishes dual outputs for stereo, bestowing you the convenience of powering two speaker sets.
You can play both sets of speakers installed in two different rooms and switch from one set to the other simultaneously. You’ll also find a terminal for hooking up a sub whenever you need to boost your audio rig’s bass output. The A-S701makes the best possible use of ‘Pure Direct’ and ‘CD’ modes for dialing in the perfect sound with minimal distortion.
Knobs embedded in the front panel of A-S701 enable you to trigger these modes resulting in input signals circumventing unemployed circuits leading to a cutting-off power supply to these circuits.
The continuously variable loudness control helps balance treble and bass sound, ensuring the reproduction of the entire tonal range regardless of the volume, thereby boosting sound quality. In addition, this Yamaha stereo integrated amp takes advantage of a power management mechanism for automatically switching to ‘idle’ mode when inactive.
So you can bank on the A-S701 to perform at its peak without consuming excessive electrical energy, thank to its energy efficiency. The internal circuitry of A-S701SL emulates symmetrically to ensure the delivery of a more pure signal with minimal degradation. A rock-solid and robust center bar adds to the amplifier framework’s durability and also aids in reducing vibration.
The A-S701’s shell comprises brushed aluminum control knobs and a front panel, which accentuates the amp’s appeal. In addition, the Yamaha A-S701L includes an intuitive remote that is perfectly handy for making the most of this stereo amp.
Pros
- 4ῼ capacity facilitates smooth pairing with a variety of speakers
- 2-channel x 100W into 8ῼ bridged (20Hz-20kHz) at 0.019 THD
- Pure Direct Mode
- CD Direct Mode
- YBA-11 Bluetooth wireless adapter (optional) for wireless music streaming
- Rotary Encoder Input Selector for quick selection of input sources with the LED displaying the selected source
Cons
- The control knobs feel somewhat flimsy (despite the manufacturer claiming they’re brushed aluminum
2. Denon PMA-600 NE (Close Runner-Up)
The Denon PMA-600 NE has been created exclusively for music fans and audiophiles planning to set up their introductory 2-channel hi-fi rig. You can rely on the PMA-600 NE featuring an incorporated phonograph equalizer and multiple digital inputs for a crystal-clear and brilliant reproduction of hi-res and vintage sounds.
A built-in antenna allows you to smoothly connect your smartphone with this stereo-integrated amp via Bluetooth for wireless music streaming.
The 192 kHz/24-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) chipset enables you to take pleasure in experiencing detailed audio playback from music players. Pumping out 70-watts of power per channel (at 4ῼ, 20Hz-20 kHz, and THD: 0.7%), this Denon stereo amp brings out the best in your speakers. Two optical inputs, one coaxial input, and one input for phono allow you to hook up the PMA-600NE with your choice of audio sources.
The PMA-600NE is equipped with the Denon’s patented AHC single-push-pull electronic circuitry that intermittently supplies and absorbs from connected your music player for reproducing outstanding audio with well-balanced highs, mids, and lows.
Pros
- AHC (Advanced High Current) single-push-pull circuitry for capturing everything from profound bass to exhaustive highs
- Built-in antenna for Bluetooth compatibility
- 70-watts x 2-channel power output (4ῼ, 1 kHz, and THD: 0.7%)
- Solid, compact, vibration-resistant design
- Integrated DAC for pairing smartphone via Bluetooth
- 1 x phonograph input, 2 x optical input, and 1 x coaxial input for connecting vinyl player, Blu-Ray/DVD player, CD player, and more
Cons
- A loudness monitoring mode with some extra EQ personalization would’ve made this amp more versatile
3. Cambridge Audio CXA61
The state-of-the-art Cambridge Audio CXA61 integrated amplifier largely modeled on its forerunner, the CXA60 tends to be more performance-driven. Belting out 60-watts of high-decibel power per channel, the Audio CXA61 makes your stereophonic speakers deliver crisp and crystal-clear sound. Hence you can bank on the CXA61 for immersing yourself in an unparalleled music listening or movie viewing experience at home.
Designed flawlessly, keeping the interests of music buffs in mind, the CXA61 is just the thing for enjoying your kind of music. So tune in to your favorite tracks and treat your tympanums to spotlessly clean acoustics as the CXA61lays bare every note. The CXA61 can put out exactly the kind of sound you like, whether you prefer analog or digital, high-resolution or low-fidelity music.
Engineered and fine-tuned with perfection, the CXA61 is always ready to deliver melodies and tunes that are one of a kind. Each component constituting the amp has been crafted with meticulous care for maximizing sonic and diminishing the coloration of the sound. In addition, the CXA61’s digital board integrated with the advanced ESS Saber ES 9010 K2M digital-to-analog (DAC) convertor has been thoroughly redesigned for an unprecedented musical experience.
This Cambridge two-channel stereo amp can offer a new lease of life to DSD256- and high-tech 32-bit/384kHz resolutions blending practicality and performance with effortless ease. The Audio CXA61 takes advantage of an extra-large toroidal power transformer to put out 60W power for both channels.
Meticulously designed and created, the CXA61 consistently performs at peak efficiency at ultra-low distortion levels, thus enabling you to benefit from your speakers’ max potential.
The CXA61 can be comfortably paired with any Bluetooth device for streaming audio of aptX HD-quality level. Featuring a reworked power amp circuitry with an enhanced volume potentiometer and finessed capacitor values, the CXA61 guarantees minimal signal leakage from one channel to the other. So what you get is perfectly smooth and warm music regardless of the volume level, thanks to the pure, clean, and short signal path.
Pros
- Class AB amplifier design: unsurpassable performance
- 4-ohm capacity ensures compatibility with a wide variety of speakers
- 60W x 2-channels into 8-ohms (90W x 2-channels into 4-ohms)
- Improved resonance control thanks to (acoustically) damped framework and all-metal chassis with brushed aluminum front panel
- The remote has more buttons than you need
Cons
- You cannot control volume (directly from a smartphone) when the amp is connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth
4. Denon PMA-800 NE
Seamlessly integrating a built-in phono equalizer with digital inputs in a rock-solid compact cab, the Denon PMA-800 NE redefines hi-fi audio reproduction. At the core of the PMA-800 NE lies a 24-bit/192kHz DAC chip that effectively converts digital audio signals into analog ones. So the DAC embedded in this amp lets you play music from your laptop, desktop, or tab on your headphones or speakers.
The Denon PMA-800 NE kicks out 85W (at 4ῼ resistance) of power per channel, which is more than adequate for driving your speakers for outputting high-quality sound. In addition, one coaxial digital input, three optical (digital) inputs, one phono, one CD, one aux, one network, and one recorder input lets you connect to different audio components. Also, all these inputs are built into a single selector input knob that makes it remarkably easy to select a particular input.
The analog system enables this Denon stereo-integrated amp to function as a standalone analog amp bypassing optical digital and coaxial inputs when you’re tuned in to an analog source. In addition, a premium phono equalizer that is compatible with MM inputs and MC cartridges guarantees noticeable sound improvement.
The integrated digital inputs, including three optical- and one coaxial input supporting PCM (pulse-code modulation) signals, aid in boosting the sound quality of media players.
Engineers at Denon have put together the PMA-800 NE stereo amp circuit to guarantee a frequency response of up to 100 kHz during applications. In addition, the PMA-800NE’s incorporated phono preamp is supremely compatible with moving magnet and moving coil cartridges allowing you to play your vintage records collection.
Pros
- 50W x 2-channels into 8ῼ (20hz-20kHz) at 0.07% THD/85W x 2-channels into 4ῼ (20Hz-20kHz)
- Stop mode switches off the microprocessor when not in use, thereby ensuring lower noise floor
- It comes with a remote for effectively operating the amp
- Dial-in superior treble synchronization and cavernous bass with tonal balance controls
Cons
- The included Toslink low-fidelity connector is not suitable for hi-fi music
- The inclusion of a coaxial output will improve its versatility
5. NAD-D 3020
The D 3020 Hybrid Digital Integrated Amplifier is a completely redesigned upgraded version of NAD’s original 3020 audiophile-grade amp. NAD brought out the 3020 way back in the ’70s that featured a simple yet practical design outclassing most high-end amps thanks to its smooth and detailed sound. The D 3020 v2 Hybrid Digital Integrated Amp, launched by NAD in 2013, became as popular as its predecessor.
The all-new D 3020 v2 features a more sophisticated design than the original and comes with a phono input for turntables. Like the introductory 3020, the D 3020 hybrid integrated amp has a built-in DAC chip for hi-res playback. However, this 30-watts amp punches well beyond its weight, rendering this unit ideal for powering two bookshelf speakers.
The NAD-D 3020 v2 also has a subwoofer preamp output that lets you hook up a sub for adding a full-scale low-end to the soundstage.
Pros
- Compact design for smooth placement in tight spaces and enclosures
- 30W x 2-channel into 8-ohms (20Hz-20kHz) at 0.005% THD
- Conventional USB input for hi-res digital musical file playback via a laptop or desktop
- Standard Toslink optical digital input
Cons
- There’s no way to prevent the Bluetooth from randomly pairing with your computer’s or phone’s Bluetooth
- It takes inordinately long to get started
Do Amps Make Any Difference for KEF LS50?
The KEF LS50 is a 2-channel audiophile-grade monitor reputed to pump out terrific and mind-blowing sound and is eminently affordable. However, since the LS50 cabinetry was primarily designed for home stereo/audio systems, you may wonder whether pairing the monitor with a suitable amp would be necessary for unleashing its full potential. Before deciding if an amp makes any difference to LS50, you’ll need to listen to how the speaker sounds.
As a 2-channel monitor speaker, the KEF LS50 requires a good amount of space for fully experiencing their signature soundstage. Once you satisfy this prerequisite, you’ll have to closely look at the monitor’s specs and sonic attributes to have a fair idea of how an amp will boost the speaker’s performance. Let us look at the relevant specs of KEF LS50:
- Driver units: Uni-Q Driver Array: 1” (25mm) vented aluminum cone tweeter, 5.25” (130mm) magnesium/aluminum alloy
- Speaker Type: 2-way rear-port bass reflex
- Sensitivity: 85dB
- Nominal impedance: 8ῼ (dips to a minimum of 3.2ῼ)
- Amp power requirements: 25-100W
- Frequency range (-6dB): 47Hz-45kHz
- Frequency response (±3dB): 79Hz-28kHz
From the above, it’s clear that given the frequency range and the frequency response range, a sensitivity of 85dB is considered relatively low. So that’s one good reason why you’d need to pair the LS50 with a quality amp. Furthermore, as the LS50’s nominal impedance is 8ῼ (plunging to a minimum of 3.2ῼ) with an amp power prerequisite ranging from 25-100-watts, you should choose an amplifier furnishing an output of over 70 watts.
When reviewing amps for passive speakers, avoid picking an overly bright product, as the LS50 sounds somewhat crude and intense. You can also do without a sub (excepting if you prefer bass-laden cinema soundtracks) as the LS50 excels in reproducing rich and detailed bottom-ends.
For additional information, please check our article about the best amps for Q150.
So, The Best Amplifier for the LS50 Is…
Since the KEF LS50 is a heavy-duty monitor with an extraordinary soundstage matching the speaker with any of the five amps reviewed above will suffice for capitalizing on its soundstage. Nevertheless, makes sure you check out how the LS50 sounds when matched with the amps individually before you finally decide.
In our opinion, the Yamaha A-S701SL is the best amplifier for KEF LS50 available on the market at the moment.