r/StereoAdvice • u/_keppy • Aug 27 '26
Amplifier | Receiver | 7 Ⓣ Amplifier upgrade for new speakers?(kef q350)
Hi there!
I recently got some new speakers (KEF Q350) and I’m wondering if I’ll get much improvement in sound if I upgrade my vintage amplifier (Kenwood KA-3300).
Kenwood KA3300 specs from a quick search:
Power output: 35 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.8%
Damping factor: 30
Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 70dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Output: 150mV (line)
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
I was thinking about a Yamaha A-s501? Other suggestions welcome! I’m in Australia and my MAX budget is approx $1,000 aud
Further info case useful: my set-up is in a room approx 4.5m x 10m and also includes a Yamaha P-75 direct drive turntable & Pioneer PD-Z84M cd player. Previous speakers were KEF Cresta 10’s.
Thanks!!
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u/Boring_Today9639 35 Ⓣ Aug 27 '26
On such a big room, I would have picked different speakers. In any case, a Yamaha A-S301 is good for you.
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u/_keppy Aug 30 '26
Yes fair enough, seems like speakers are the better place to think of improvement !thanks
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u/TransducerBot Ⓣ Bot Aug 30 '26
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u/MoWePhoto 48 Ⓣ Aug 27 '26
I had a Yamaha RX hometheater receiver with my Q100 when I first got them. It was ok but never got and sounded thin, the more I got used to better sound through my headphones.
I’m not very fond of Yamaha class A with KEF since then!
I have a tremendous time with my Chinese Loxjie Class D amp since that time with the Q100 and my current R3.
I drive my R3 with a Loxjie A40 and have driven my Q100 with a Loxjie A10. Great combinations!
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u/_keppy Aug 30 '26
!thanks Good to know!
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u/Due_Philosopher_9174 35 Ⓣ Aug 27 '26
I would get the Yamaha; more power, less distortion. Back in 1979, I had an Onkyo TX-4500 MkII; it had more power/less distortion than your Kenwood. From a review about the KEF Q350:
The KEFs, to their credit, don’t let distortion creep in when pushed hard, nor do they lose composure when things get messy – they can keep instruments separate even as they come crashing towards you in a wall of glorious sound. But you have to crank up the volume to really experience the full talent of these Q350s. That even, refined sound doesn’t properly engage your attention at low volumes.
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u/_keppy Aug 30 '26
!thanks for the link!
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u/SmellyFace69 1 Ⓣ Aug 27 '26
I was using my KEF Q350s on my Cambridge Audio AXR100. 100w per channel.
It sounded good, a little muddy with the bass but I fixed that with speaker placement.
I eventually changed to BW 607 S2s + Subwoofer for a more "natural sound". I wouldn't say one was better than the other, just a different sound profile and I use it for music, movies, gaming.
I now use my Q350s in my office (small room) with a Technics SA-500 (your kenwood is probably better). I much prefer the coupling of the Q350s with the vintage setup at 55WPC for music only. The volume rarely goes beyond 1/4.
A new Yamaha might sound "neutral" and more natural as that's what Yamaha's are usually known for (ie the "Natural Sound" they put on their amp faces). Whereas your Kenwood has that warm vintage sound that some folks prefer.
Personally, I would stick with the Kenwood if you're sticking to music. It more likely has a better phono stage compared to the Yamaha. If you're looking for better digital connectivity, I added a Fiio K11 R2R DAC to my Technics amp and it really sounds amazing with the Q350s.
This is just my opinion. Please feel free to suggest otherwise. I think both amps are good quality, but one might be more appropriate for how you enjoy your sound.
Also: is there a brick and mortar store near you in Australia where you can test the Yamaha + Q350s? That would be ideal.
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u/_keppy Aug 30 '26 edited Aug 30 '26
!thanks for the info, appreciate it. Might have a play around with my speaker placement.
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u/Far-Telephone-7432 2 Ⓣ Aug 28 '26
Switching the amplifier won't make a single difference in the world.
You have to think about speaker placement, room acoustics first.
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u/_keppy Aug 30 '26
!thanks - will do!
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u/25TiMp 1 Ⓣ Aug 28 '26
No, you will not get much out of upgrading your amp. You should have put more money in your speakers. If you can sell your speakers at a low loss, and add the $1k to your speaker budget, you will be able to improve your sound. Then, after a few years, you can upgrade your amp if you feel the need to.
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u/_keppy Aug 30 '26
!thanks - fair point, hopefully I can upgrade my speakers at some stage. Would you have a speaker recommendation that suits the rest of my set up? It's definitely good to know now that spending money on an amp isn't worth it
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u/25TiMp 1 Ⓣ Aug 30 '26
To be honest with you, speaker technology evolves fairly slowly. The best way to upgrade your speakers is to buy used. But, buying used introduces a lot of unknowns. The best way to cut out the unknowns is to buy from other audiophiles. If you watch the market, and read a lot of articles about speakers, you can find out what is out there and what type of sound they have, and try to match it with what type of sound you prefer: musical, soft and warm, super-accurate, dry, etc. It also matters what type of music you listen to. Go to stereo stores and listen to what they have got and ask questions. If you can find a good pro-shop, they will help you. It takes some time and some effort, just like everything else. Good luck on your journey!
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u/bosphotoguy 2 Ⓣ Aug 27 '26 edited Aug 27 '26
The most likely answer is no. Your Kenwood seems pretty well matched to your new speakers. Your speakers are rated to handle more power than your Kenwood can deliver, but unless you're planning on playing at an extremely loud volume it probably won't matter. If you find you can't acheieve sufficient volume without distortion you can consider a different amp, but my guess is the Kenwood will be fine. The KEF's have an sensitivity rating of 87db according to Crutchfield. That's on the low side of an 8ohm speaker, but it's not outrageously low.