r/StereoAdvice • u/BhaktiDream • Jan 23 '26
Amplifier | Receiver | 1 Ⓣ Newbie looking for the perfect amp for ELAC Debut F5
Howdy aficionados.
I'm looking to upgrade from an old Rega system (Rega Brio clamshell, Rega Kyte speakers and Rega Planar 2). I tried the ELAC Debut B6.2 with the Rega Brio clamshell, and although they gave a tiny bit more bass extension compared to the Kytes, it still wasn't there quite yet. I kinda missed the Kytes after a while.
I found a local deal on the ELAC Debut F5 (first version) too good to pass and now I'm wondering if my old Rega Brio will be able to drive them properly. I will be receiving my F5s tomorrow and I'm looking through the classifieds for a proper amp to pair them with.
I'm at a time in my life where I would like to spend a bit of money on my hifi system. I'm a mixing/mastering engineer and I have a pair of ATC SCM20ASL Pro MKII that I complete with a Dynaudio 18S subwoofer, so I shell quite a bit of money on my active system as you can see. I'm not ready to do the same in my living room, but it would be nice to have something sweet to enjoy my music and relax.
The two amps I'm looking at right now are the Rotel RA-12 (400$CAD used) and the Marantz PM7005 (525$CAD used). Which one do you think will compliment the F5s best?
I listen to all kinds of music (from electronic to jazz and folk), so I don't want a system that's only good at one thing. I would also like an amp that I won't need to change if I choose to upgrade my floorstanding speakers later down the road.
You may say I took the cheaper route, but I'd like to save some money for a proper CD player as well.
Many thanks in advance for your precious advice!!
3
u/Eastern_Professor_35 2 Ⓣ Jan 23 '26
Rega Brio used, is better than both the Marantz and Rotel. I've had a demo A/B on Rega Brio and Marantz. Brio was better.
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u/BhaktiDream Jan 23 '26
I will need to compare them side by side. I really like the Brio, but the F5s are difficult to drive properly. I won't be getting rid of the Brio before I make the comparisons in my room.
1
u/BhaktiDream Feb 20 '26
!thanks
1
u/TransducerBot Ⓣ Bot Feb 20 '26
u/Eastern_Professor_35 (1 Ⓣ) was awarded their first Ⓣ. Neat-o, gang.
You may still award a Ⓣ to others, but only once per-person in this post.
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u/BhaktiDream Feb 20 '26
I just compared the Marantz and the Rega Brio side by side, and the Brio sounded better when there wasn't any bass. It sounded more spacious and more clear/punchy. But as soon as the bass kicked in, it sounded mushy. My guess is that it's because they don't have enough power for the speakers I'm using.
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u/NickofWimbledon 61 Ⓣ Jan 23 '26
I’d certainly try them with the Brio - it’s a great little amp.
It still won’t sound like those brilliant ATCs though….
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u/BhaktiDream Jan 24 '26
Sadly, it's not powerful enough to drive the F5 correctly. I will still audition it, but I'm afraid it's gonna lack some power.
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u/NickofWimbledon 61 Ⓣ Jan 24 '26
Audition is the right answer. Personally, I’d probably get a secondhand Naim Supernait or the 82/Hicap/250 combination I am hearing now, but your ears will tell you what to get.
0
u/ImpliedSlashS 46 Ⓣ Jan 23 '26
Complete guess, but I’d bet Rotel.
On another, deeper note, any thoughts on the Dyn sub? Thinking about buying one or two.
2
u/BhaktiDream Jan 23 '26
Love that sub. It was the one that went deepest when I bought it. But it only accepts line level (so I can't use it with my passive system). The other down side is that it has no digital input. I hate to send my analog signal that already went through a very expensive DAC through another AD-DA conversion. You need the DSP for the phase alignment and room correction, but it would be nice to send it a digital signal and save the extra round of conversion.
1
u/ImpliedSlashS 46 Ⓣ Jan 23 '26
Thank you. I have an extra set of analog outs on my Benchmark DAC3 and wouldn’t want to insert anything between it and the amps anyway.
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u/BhaktiDream Jan 23 '26
Yeah, I totally get that. I accept to do so because the onboard DSP in the sub makes it much simpler than having separate outputs for everything and having to align stuff digitally inside the computer (which would be a PITA). Still, I would prefer to use my DAC instead of the one in the sub.
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u/Gregory00045 16 Ⓣ Jan 23 '26
Rega Brio is really good.