Sierra LX / Sierra line / Luna v2: amplifier pairing recommendations

[d7h1]

Hello,

I’m currently in the research phase of putting together a bookshelf system.

For amplifers, I’ve been thinking about two Topping B100 monoblocks (83-100W each), which seems like it would great fidelity at value cost.

For speakers, the Sierra LX and the other Sierra models are definitely in my consideration set.

My question is: would 100W mono blocks be enough to power something like the Sierra LX?

I ask because an experiment with KEF R3 Metas earlier this year validated multiple reviews that significant amplifier power is needed to get great, consistent sound quality from the KEFs.

I was wondering if the Sierra LXs were similar in that regard, and if so, if it would be better to instead wait until the Topping B200 monoblocks (200W each) are back in stock.

Or… if a better pairing for the Topping B100s would be one of the other Sierra models, or the Luna V2.

Any insight you can share would be greatly appreciated.



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Obligatory listening information:

Listening habits:
Sensitive hearing; tend to listen at low / lower volumes; mid volume at most.
Generally speaking, I’m going to be listening not just from a sitting position, but also while moving around the apartment.
Music genres: essentially, all. Classical, jazz, classic rock, indie, R&B / soul, funk, surf, pop, world, country, acoustic, etc. I tend to be more into artists than genres.
Room is sizable, ~15x35. Speakers would be going along the short wall.
May or may not get a subwoofer (TBD). Generally speaking (but not always), I find myself tuning bass down in order to better hear mids and highs.

[Ognian]

I recently acquired a pair of Sierra LX, and have a room similar to yours (15x25ft) with open hallways toward the rest of the apartment.

In terms of getting great sound from different positions in the house, walking around etc. these speakers are amazing!

They play very well at lower volume, without losing dynamics or precision. My previous speakers didn't sound great until the volume was turned up (dynaudio)

The Sierra LX have a surprisingly mellow impedance profile, so not as demanding as kef's latest designs that can dip below 3 ohm.

I'm powering them with an audio phonics MPA-S250NC, based on hypex 252mp (150 into 8, 250 into ohm). This amount of power is more than ample for what you're describing, I can bring these speakers to unbearable (for me: 90db and up) volume without any sign of strain.

I've read more than a few anecdotal reports of the topping amps, in particular the monoblocs, crapping out so I'm personally wary of them for now. I have nothing against topping and use two of their absolutely excellent DACs but I'm not ready to risk frying speakers.

IMO monoblocs nowadays are only useful if you're going for very high power units. The newest class d amps have such great performance that the merits of monos are not as obvious to me.

Hope this helps and let us know what you end up building!

[SunByrne]

LXs are awesome and easy to drive. They aren't super-efficient but they're not wildly inefficient, either. Since you say you don't listen at high volumes I would think 100w would be quite safely more than you need.

[d7h1]

LXs are awesome and easy to drive. They aren't super-efficient but they're not wildly inefficient, either. Since you say you don't listen at high volumes I would think 100w would be quite safely more than you need.

Thanks! I didn't get any email notifications for these replies, so I ended up just rolling the dice with the Topping b100s and the Sierra LXs. Both have been amazing. The clarity from the b100s is pretty mind boggling. The b100s have three gain settings (low, mid, high) the mid setting has been perfect. And the bass extension on the Sierra LXs is very impressive -- not something I've heard in bookshelf speakers before. Have decided to add a sub just the same though to improve the instrument separation.

Thanks again!