Best amp to power my AR10pi loudspeakers? Sansui?

[Patagorda]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and have been impressed with the collective knowledge here.

I have a lovely pair of Acoustic Research AR10pi loudspeakers from 1976 (4Ohm, crossover just recapped), currently decently powered by a NAD C370 amplifier (120wpc). I mostly stream (FLAC) but also play records and occasionally CDs.

I find the NAD to be a solid companion, but am wondering whether I could achieve more musicality with a different amp, such as a Sansui 717 or one of their other amps. Some experts suggest the rare Sansui AU-9500 makes a good pair with these speakers, though I'm slightly taken aback by how much they're costing.

Suggestions and opinions greatly welcomed!

 

[Grenadeslio]

Your ears your decision. That said, I found my AR's are a lot happier with my Belles amp driving them than my Kenwood. Not that the Kenny didn't sound great just that the Belles is just that much better. And it should be, the Kenny has a great preamp section and along with its phenomenal true dual mono power amp were less expensive than the Belles I (a stand alone power amp), hopefully the extra coinage nets some gains.

The Kenny is now running as a preamp with the Belles doing the heavy lifting, the Kenwood KA-7300 is known for its outstanding preampifier.

The contenders:

Kenwood KA-7300




Belles l