Amp For Falcon Ls3/5a's

Hey,

I've just ordered a pair of falcon ls35a's gold badge, and wondering which amp can i pair to them to get them to shine.
on stereophile they recommended the Line Magnetic LM518 IA.
would be happy to hear your thoughts and ideas.

(BTW, correctly using an old Sanyo DCA-411)

 

You have 14 minutes left to edit "golf badge", to "gold badge"!

Damn auto-correct!

 

What does Falcon recommend ?

 

lol thanks.

 

idk, do they?

 

The Sugden's are popular with Ls3/5 owners.

 

I always ask the opinions of manufacturers about the equipment that provides the best “synergy” with their products. Most have been very frank and accommodating. A phone call can save you a lot of heartache.

 

Most decent amplifiers would perform well as BBC speakers are an easy amp load.
If you can find a serviced Quad 303, it has a lovely tone, no valves and no silly prices, will need a preamp.

Sugden are really very nice too, solid build but expensive, my choice any day over a valve amp.
Maybe not an issue as the Falcons are now very expensive edition of LS3/5a.

 

anyone familiar with line magnetic?

 

This review tested them with 3 different amps

Falcon "Gold Badge" LS3/5a loudspeaker Page 2

 

indeed, as i have mentioned.

 

up

 

called them, said they can't really recommend anything, but that tube amps are the way to go and that they had nice results with balanced audio tech, i didn't get if he meant the SS ones or tubes.

PLEASE HELP.

 

Strange they were so ambiguous. Usually audio manufacturers really like discussing their products unless the company is so big everything is handled with a corporate mentality. I usually won’t deal with the corporate thing unless given no choice.

 

I think any of the good British intergrated amps would work well take your pick:Sugden, Naim, Exposure, Creek, Roksan, Musical Fidelity, Cyrus,Cambridge and Rega...and thats just some of them...

 

any specific models?

 

The images from Falcon's website look like they're endorsing someone...

 

Very respected name in amplification. Only heard good things about Sugden.

 

If I had the appropriate speakers, the Sugden would be on my shortlist.

 

Rega Elex r or on the high end the Rega Aethos..

 

I do not have Falcons. I do however,own a pair of Graham Chartwell LS 3/5's. (Kissing cousins.) I have had very good luck with First Watt amps, an F5,and a J2. A great combo for my ears.

 

There are many LM fans here. The 518 that you mentioned being my favorite amp that I've owned. I plan to get an 805 in the future.

Man, those Sugdens are hot.

 

Falcon used to demo the LS3/5a’s with the Primare i35

 

The common theme though most of the recommendations is Class A operation, whether it is SET tube or SS. In most cases this means moderate quoted wpc, with great reserve, and the ability to deliver current into a load. The often recommended Line Magnetic 518i is an 845 based SET amp, delivering about 22wpc of very sweet power.

I use a cousin of the LM amp.....Triode TRV P845SE to drive a pr of KEF LS50 -and- 80s era pair of Spendor 15ohm LS3/5a. Outstanding !

 

I have a set of Harbeth HL-P3 (the vintage kind), which are a very different speaker, but also very similar. I run mine with a Rogue Audio Sphinx and it does a great job.

I think some high quality Class A watts would be best, but doesn't work for everybody - I went with the Rogue Sphinx because of how hot my apartment gets, so tubes or class A SS was a no-go.