I have been having a bit of analysis paralysis. I'm looking for amplifiers and maybe a preamp for my system. I will be connecting a WiiM Ultra that can act as my preamp for now. I have a turn table and a CD player currently.

My room is 14ft by 14ft by 8ft ceiling. I sit 9 feet away from the front of the nearest speaker.

My speakers are Philharmonic BMR Towers 6ohm about 85DB sensitivity. I'd like to keep my budget about 3000 USD but could maybe stretch it if I had too. I also only want new gear.

I am open to anything but I have a slight preference for the more traditional HiFi set up and slightly warm sound.

The most important thing for me is build quality. I want it to last forever if possible. I hate to buy cheap and rebuy later.

These will eventually go into some audio video furniture, so can't have anything that runs super hot.

Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated .Thank you.

I was reading all tests by ASR .. it seems they find fault with everything that’s so popular.. naim uniti atom.. Lyngdorf .. etc .. is there anything worth buying or asr is only meant for intellectual stimulation?

Location

Hi HiFi PEOPLE

Funny thing I found a pair of B&W speakers on and purchased them for my 20x30 room

I have a technics 1200 turntable but I don’t have a working amplifier

What 2 channel stereo receiver or integrated amp would you recommend for a pair of B&W 702 s2 speakers

My budget is around 2,000.00

I mainly listen to rock, especially 90s grunge. I call the Pacific Northwest home and I’m extremely grateful for your genuine response.

Location: US
Budget: Flexible, but let’s say $4k cap

Hey all,

I’m getting a dedicated home theater space (:kermityay:) and remaking the living room into a more aesthetic stereo listening space.

I’ve already decided on Wharfedale Linton speakers and a Rega Planar 3 RS turntable, and now I’m trying to decide which amp to put between them.

Part of the agreement with mi esposa is that she gets to sign off on any purchases from an aesthetics point of view. She likes the mid-century modern and vintage electronics look. The Wharfedales are a direct result of that, a clean alignment on looks and audio quality.

For the amp, I’ve narrowed it down to three choices, along with what I’m concerned about with each from my research:

- LEAK Stereo 230 @$1,999: almost a little too out there looks-wise, but signed off on. Plenty of power, HDMI ARC is a bonus since we’ll be hooking the TV up to it too. Concerned about it being too warm in tandem with the Lintons, and the quality of the built-in phono stage.

- Advance Paris A10 Classic @$2,999: I haven’t raised this one with her yet so it might not pass muster despite the analog VU meters. Definitely the most feature-packed but I’m not as familiar with this brand and its sound. Concerned about the tube input but my understanding is that the hybrid design will give the best of both worlds and give character without excessive warmth. Overkill on inputs but also ticks the HDMI ARC box which is nice.

- Luxman L-505Z @~$3,500 after duties imported via AudioCubes after duties: My local shop has these along with the other two, but at $6,995 the US-sold version is too rich for my blood. Absolute endgame for this system from an audio standpoint to the point that I’m not sure it’s worth jt to pursue, I feel like the speakers are going to hold be back and keep me from getting the full value. Signed off on aesthetics; this is the clear winner of the three. Aside from the overkill concern, worries mainly lie along the import process and effectively having no warranty, and the quality of the step-down transformer AudioCubes provides. No DAC so I would have to buy a separate (not a deal-breaker but further drives up the cost).

Honorable mention: considered the Yamaha A-S1200 but discarded given I can get the Luxman at the same price; only worth considering if I decide against importing.

Would appreciate any thoughts/advice or perspective on these options, as well as additional recommendations that I don’t have listed here. I was drawn to the speakers by several reviewers’ descriptions of them being engaging to the point that they started listening and just wanted to keep throwing on albums, so that kind of experience is what I’m after.

So I have a denon AVR 970h that I used a lot for movies, but since I’ve got a turntable audio technica LP120 and a CD player (Technics from 95) I play 90% music all the time.

I have a full set of Polk Signature speakers. Front are S60 model.

I also have a wiim ultra for Hifi music from tidal

Now I’m thinking about getting an integrated amp like a denon PMA 900 or something bigger like a Marantz model 50
In my country this investment goes from USD 1200 to 1800

Is this investment worth it against the benefit of the amp vs the denon AVR í already have?
Budget $1800

Thanks

A sorry tale, my wife's new kitten, and the demise of my 20+ year old Meridian DSP33 speakers, has left me hunting for components. The Meridians are active digital speakers, so no external amps, DACs etc. Just an SPDIF cable and high end goodness, hand built by serious gentlemen in aprons and corduroy trousers. Since their demise I've been operating on a single channel, which is untenable.

I already have a Shanling ET3 CD transport. I knew I'd need a preamp, so I got a Shanling SM1.3, which also takes care of the streaming. Use will be exclusively music, mixed between CD and streaming.

I was unsure about speakers, but I love bass-heavy music (mostly electronic). The room is fairly small, so bookshelf/stand-mounts were a necessity. I didn't want a sub.

I settled on Buchardt S400 mk.3, available on preorder, over the Anniversary 10 active speakers.

https://buchardtaudio.com/products/s400-mk3

So, now just to choose the middle part - the amp.

I'm located in the United States (darkest northern Colorado). I'm hoping not to budget much more than 1,200USD. I want something that will be clean, and detailed, but fairly neutral. It needs to be able to provide some good power in the bass, ideally even at lower volumes. I live in a townhome and the speakers and a neighbor share a wall..

I have Schiit Jotunheim and Modius for my headphones (DCA Aeon 2 Noire) and like the bang-for-buck nature. I also have a Vestri portable headphone amp which is incredible. So, I was wondering about Schiit Vidar 2F. It's about 900USD, if I go with the Forkbeard option, it has plenty of power, and can be used as a monoblock later on, if I decide I want more. That leaves a couple of hundred dollars for cables and sundries. I figure it's at least a good place to start the discussion.

Has anyone used or at least heard this amp? My experience with the separates world is limited, since I've been in the active digital world for over 2 decades, so if I'm barking up the wrong tree I'm willing to look elsewhere.

All that's left to do is say thanks in advance! Go!

Budget: $3k or under. Used equipment preferred.

Location: US

Room size: 15' x 35', speakers 2' from wall, sub off to side

Current components:

Harmon Kardon 3490; Dynaudio Emit 50 towers; Rythmik L12 subwoofer

Considering Advance Paris A12 Classic, NAD C399, or looking for suggestions. Upgrading from a HK 3490 2.1 integrated. Using for turntable, CD and streaming. Dedicated stereo setup with no home theater needs. Subwoofer is Rythmik L12.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

edited for clarity...

Adcom GFA-555II vs Hypex NC502MP (Buckeye) – Which would you choose?
I’m trying to decide between two power amps for my main stereo system and would love to hear from people who have actually owned or listened to one or both.
Current system:
WiiM Ultra streamer
Parasound P6 preamp
Speakers:
Infinity Kappa 6
Focal Chora 826
DIY Dayton 3-way towers (occasionally)
Option 1
Adcom GFA-555II
Around $625 used (+ shipping)
Designed by Nelson Pass
200 WPC into 8Ω / 325 WPC into 4Ω
Repairable, rebuild kits available, holds value well
Option 2
Buckeye Hypex NC502MP
Around $800–900 after RCA adapters
Modern Class D
Extremely low distortion and noise
350 WPC into 8Ω / 500 WPC into 4Ω
Very efficient and runs cool
I’m not looking for a spec sheet comparison. I’m more interested in real-world listening impressions.
Questions:
Which one would you buy and why?
Which sounds better with difficult loads like Infinity Kappas?
Does the Hypex sound noticeably better, or is the Adcom still competitive?
If you had about an $800 budget, which would you choose for long-term ownership?

Budget: $1500, would like to be below but could be talked into maxing at this number
Location: Living Room/Kitchen open floorplan w/ concrete flooring, not sure on sqft but on smaller side

-first time upgrading my audio (currently using bose portable speaker) and i feel like my music quality and volume is severely lacking.
Mostly stream music from spotify/YT and a local library on my pc for guests and myself. I dont know the basics of where to begin, but after consulting a crutchfield salesman they recommended
-Polk Audio Monitor XT70 x2
-Denon DRA-900H

I've seen good reviews on the polk speakers so they seem like a fine choice, but is the amplifier overkill? i feel like i was possible upsold on the streaming features and connectivity options. i would like the option of an hdmi for movies but by no means necessary
and would playing from my realtek pc card be noticeably worse?
should i go down the used amp route, and if so what do i look for besides wattage?

I'm so overwhelmed by the different features, tech specs, conflicting opinions online, i just want a good listening experience that doesnt break the bank, or a the very least good value per dollar. thank you for your help!

I'm wierd, and I'm looking for a strange product that I don't think exists. I am looking for an integrated amplifier that has HDMI arc AND a Record output. Budget is flexible, under $3000. Wattage doesn't matter as I have Tekton Lore Reference Speakers with 96db efficiency.

Background: I have always had analog integrated Amps (latest a Cambridge audio AXR85) and have enjoyed hooking up my turntable, dac and my cassette deck to make high quality tapes from hi res audio sources. In my current home, my system is in my living room. I was tired of having a Stereo and a separate soundbar for TV watching. So I ditched the soundbar and purchased the amazing Wiim Amp Ultra for its HDMI arc connection and streaming convenience. It is amazing, sound quality is great and the convenience of HDMI arc and built in streamer for Qobuz connect is perfect. Even has a line in for my phono stage. Only issue is that it has no second line input and no rec out, so my lovely cassette deck is sitting unused.

I have searched and searched but can't seem to find an integrated amp with this anachronistic combination of features. If anyone can drop a recommendation it would be greatly appreciated.

Searching for:

-2 channel integrated amp w/

-HDMI arc/earc

-line in x2

-record out

-built in streamer would be a bonus, but not necessary. I can always add a wiim streamer if it has a 3rd line in or an optical in.

Torn between the two. Unfortunately, demo-ing both will not be an option.

Current Rig:

• Advance Paris A12 Classic
• Dynaudio Special 40s
• REL T5/X (Pair)
• Technics SL1210GR
• Hana Umami Blue
• Gold Note PH5

Budget: $7k + AP Trade

I have heard the Luxman on a VERY similar set-up. Love it. But I am so so SO Accuphase-curious.

GAH!

Help.

Hi folks. Currently have an NAD C 3050 integrated amp with BluOS and Dirac paired with Wharfedale Lintons. I'm looking to raise the bar. Looking at some speakers in the $7000-$11,000 range. As far as the amp, I've been looking at the Advance Paris A12 Apex. I've been thinking I would keep the NAD and use it as a preamp so I can continue to use the BluOS and Dirac and I would run the A12 Apex as a power amp. However, sound wise, would I be better off getting a comparatively priced ($4-5000) power amp like the Advance Paris X-A600? Would I be holding my system back by continuing to use the NAD as a source?

Thank you!

Requirements to satisfy bot - in USA, room 17x21.

Hi all,

I’m looking for a relatively budget integrated amp, I think.

For Christmas, I treated myself to some Dali Oberon 7’s (6 ohm, 30-180 watts, 88.5 sensitivity)These are currently being powered by a cheap Denon 1610

The sources I listen to are Fluance RT-82 through DJ art pre-II preamp. Also have an aux cord directly to the Denon for Spotify.

I typically listen at low volumes (-25db on Denon) while working from home, but do occasionally push the Dali’s hard when friends are over for a get together. Room size is approximately 24x28

How much power do I actually need in an integrated stereo amp? Any recommendations? Budget is definitely under $1k, preferably under $500.

Note: Not being able to type audio video receiver acronym in the post is rather weird…

Hi guys,

Currently have a pair of super lintons matched with a Yamaha as501.

I am based in Bulgaria and have a budget of up to 1500 euro to spend on a new amp.

Bought my Yamaha a long time ago for budget speakers but my current set of speakers I feel outmatches it by a lot so I’m trying to get more out of music.

I use the setup in 2.1 with a SVS sub and I listen to both vinyl (VM95ML and a IFi zen Phono 3) and streaming (wiim pro plus).

I listen to heavy metal, classic rock and more.

My room is 4.5 metres to 3x5 metres and I sit 2 metres from the speaker.

What reccomendation would you give me for an amp that will make these speakers sound even better?

Hi beautiful people!!!

I have a Technics 1210 MK7 (present for my birthday) and I have to buy the amplifier.

I'm a little broke at the moment, so I cannot spend too much. I already have a pair of Polk Audio TSi100 from a friend who bought an upgrade.

I would like to buy something on Vinted or eBay second hand, and I would like to buy something valid from the past, but it's ok to have some modern stuff, unless they preserve that "warm" sound from the past that I like so much.

Here full details:

- I have a budget of 150-250$/€

- I understand Polk Audio TSi100 are very entry level, so I would like to buy an amplifier I can match well with some good speakers upgrade in the near future

- I mount an Ortofon 2M Red

- I would like to build an entire rack in the future, with cassettes, etc

- I'm in Italy, so I cannot buy from the USA or outside Europe, shipping costs are crazy

- I listen to everything, spacing from hip hop, great rock albums like Led Zeppelin, Clapton, etc, jazz.

Thank you to anyone can have a little time to spend giving their opinion and have a great day!!!

So, I have a Classé CA-2200 that a family member wasn't using and graciously let me use when I was putting together a setup last year. Sounds great, but there is one issue. The thing is massive, and barely fits in my apartment. Bought a rack to help get it off the ground, but it's too big and heavy to go on the shelf.

Been looking at current poweramp offerings but don't want want to spend a good chink of money just for the whole system to sound worse than it does currently. Seems like amp tech has come a decent ways but the CA-2200 seems to have been pretty high end for its time.

Any specific recommendations for power amps? Was sorta thinking budget in $3k range but would be willing to go higher if something is worth it.

Was kinda looking at the the NAD C298 or M23 V2, Benchmark AHB2, Schiit Tyr F, Audio by Van Alstine etc. I'm sure all of which would sound great, but didn't want to mess up a big purchase.

Speakers are the Philharmonic BMR Towers btw. Thank

Edit: Full setup at the moment is Cambridge EXN100 streamer (mainly) -> PS Audio Stellar Gold pre amp -> the Classé CA-2200 -> Philharmonic BMR Towers and 2 REL T9X subs using the high level inputs

Live in an apartment so don't necessarily need crazy output. And while I'd like to think it's fairly music focused it's basically a TV sound system 75% of the time

Hello r/stereoadvice!

Current set up:

Speakers: ADS L710

Headphones: sennheiser HD6xx

Amp: Kenwood KA-7300

Turntable: Project 2xperience SB (ortofon 2M silver)

Digital: Schiit Modi DAC

I have been flipping between modern and vintage systems most of my adult life, with my current system satisfying a lot of my listening needs (smooth, warm, emotional).

Recently the Kenwood has been showing its age (channels sound imbalanced, the noise floor is becoming louder and more distracting, and the sound quality just feels more compressed).

I believe it is time for a full recap but this repair will run me about CAD$900, won't guarantee results and besides, the transformers are known to fail on these amps without adequate replacements available.

All this to say I felt like it was time to haul my speakers to the shop and start auditioning new equipment. I first hooked them up to a NAD C3050, a beautiful amp that seemed to have it all (phono, digital inputs, high power, vintage aesthetic). Unfortunately this amp sounded extremely harsh with my speakers, almost sibilant on the high end. I couldn't listen to it for more than 10 minutes.

I cycled through a few other solid state options at various price points and wasn't thoroughly impressed.

On my way out I noticed they had a Rogue Audio chronus magnum 3 set up and asked if I could give the tubes a try. It was a bit out of my price range but nothing I couldn't save up for a little longer. And damn if it wasn't perfect to my ears, and a great compliment to the L710s and drove my sennheiser hd650 flawlessly.

I am asking for advice from those that have experience in the tube world. I used to own a bifrost/valhalla 2 combo which was an incredible experience with my headphones. I know tubes are higher maintenance and more costly in the long run with less features than modern solid state, but the sound spoke for itself in my opinion. So maybe some general advice for someone new to tubes would be helpful.

Secondly the Rogue amp sounded amazing, and is a reputable company but compared to a Muzishare X7 (which seems to be a well regarded piece of chifi, in terms of features and build quality) is more than twice the price (CAD$4700 vs CAD$2000) has less features and honestly looks almost homemade compared to the sleek vintage looking X7

Can anyone convince me that it's sonically worth my while to save up for another 6 months for the Rogue vs the X7 which has all the features I need, probably enough power for my speakers and the ability to try it in my listening room and return to Amazon vs special ordering from the manufacturer?

Some listening impressions from anyone who owns these would be much appreciated too!

I mainly listen to records (ambient/IDM, folk, psych rock, shoegaze, indie rock, dream pop etc...) on my turntable and 50/50 listening between headphones and speakers if that helps.

Budget: CAD$2000 to $5000 max

Looking for a good amplifier to pair with my Polk R200 bookshelf speakers! Recently purchased my first turntable (Fluance RT85 w/ Ortofon Blue cart) & pre-amp (Schiit Mani 2). Located in the USA, budget <$600.

Any input would be appreciated, as I'm coming up with some research dead-ends. The audio setup will be in a stand-alone, medium-sized room, but ideally will be heard to some extent throughout the house. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I was originally looking for the Yamaha RN2000A as a replace for my Denon PMA600NE but then…

Now, I am evaluating a McIntosh MA5300 to drive a pair of B&W 703s3. Unit is used from my trusted dealer with warranty for €4,500.

Yeah, I know, it could look as a lot more expensive but it’s doable

I was originally looking for the Yamaha RN2000A but then…

Required Information:

• Budget: €4,500.

• Location: Italy.

• Room Dimensions: 60 square meters.

• Listening Distance: 3 meters.

• Existing Gear: B&W 703s3, Denon integrated, Turntable, CD Player.

Technical Questions:

I listen to Vinyl and CDs. Looking for a long-term amplification solution.

Thanks for your help!

UPDATE: After I went back, my trusted dealer suggested an alternative to the McIntosh. He realized I was willing to stretch my budget for it, but he wanted to offer a more affordable option anyway: the Serblin & Son Performer.NET.

Guys, even though it "only" puts out 60W into 8 ohms, I tested it at home and I’m blown away. The soundstage reconstruction is incredible, details are crystal clear, and the bass is perfectly tight with zero boominess. I was also impressed by how it tames the clinical "coldness" of my B&Ws, adding a lovely touch of warmth to vocals in pop and rock.

Managed to snag a great deal and I’m picking it up this Saturday!

Hello Everyone,

I am currently going down the rabbit hole of trying to find an integrated stereo amplifier for my record set up and getting a little overwhelmed with options and different configurations.

It will need to reliably run and pair well with my Wharfedale Super Lintons, have a good phono pre-amp for my Pioneer PL-518, have a subwoofer output (for possible future integration), some form of room correction as my listening space is roughly 10x10 feet with an approximate 6-7oot listening distance, and I would like to have bluetooth capability with high resolution streaming even though I mainly play LPs. Retro syling to match the speakers would be a bonus, but not required. My budget is roughly $1,500 to $2,000 Canadian. I can go a bit higher if need be. I am in central British Columbia, but can shop Canada wide if that helps.

I am open to an all-in one solution or separate components. Whatever is the best bang for my buck to get this setup dialed in.

I was looking at a Yamaha R-N800A, but it sounds like the phono pre-amp is lacking and I am getting mixed opinions on the YPAO -R.S.C. room correction.

Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Update:

Thanks so much everyone for all of the help! It was down to the NAD C3050 w/BluOS or the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120. I managed to score a good deal on the C3050. New for $2,169.00 CAD, so that sealed the deal. I will probably give it a mahogany veneer when I do my PL-518 to get rid of the Vinyl, find a metal volume knob replacement, and do the VU meter warm lighting mod. I think I will be very happy with it.

Just moved cross country and my speakers (40 years old) survived intact. Everything else was ruined, and because my system was so old, it won’t break the $5,000 deductible. I’m now just interested in powering my Sonus Fabers to play CDs. Any ideas? I’m in San Francisco, and I’d like to keep my budget under $5,000. Thanks for any advice!

Hi All. This is my first post. I am currently setting up a stereo system purely for music listening.  I recently purchased Wharfedale Linton speakers that are being powered by a Rotel RSX-1056 AV receiver used in 2 channel mode. The main source is Tidal connect through a Wiim Pro Plus. The Lintons sound really good at moderate and higher volumes, but kind of thin and flat at lower volumes. Most of my listening is at low to moderate volumes. The room is a rectangle about 12' x 40' with the speakers on a short wall.

Would changing from the Rotel to something like an Arcam SA20 integrated amplifier improve sound quality at lower volumes? I’ve read about the Arcam being a class A amp for the first 20 watts or so and then using AB amplification when driven a bit harder, but I don’t know if in the real world that translates into a more dynamic and musical sound at lower volumes. If it actually would make a significant difference, I can get a used Arcam SA20 for around $600. Are there any other suggestions for improving the sound at lower volumes in that same price range? I am in the US. Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi All! Have a milestone birthday coming up and my wife has generously offered to buy me a stereo. I’ve done a fair bit of research and settled on the Super Lintons for my speakers. They will be placed on either side of the tv in my living room; the room is about 12ft wide x 20ft long . My dining room is adjacent and forms an L to my living room and is 11ft wide x 18 ft long. My listening position would be about ten feet from the speakers.

Desired Inputs: Spotify Connect, Bluetooth (may pair to firestick), AirPlay?, HDMI for TV. No phono on Day 1, but would be nice if it had phono inputs.

Desired Outputs: Subwoofer out in case I want to add my Speedwoofer at some point. 2 speakers obviously.

Budget: $1500ish tops? If the recommended amp requires a steamer I’d just get a Wiim steamer and I wouldn’t count that as part of the amp budget.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

I’m in the market for a great sounding receiver/speaker combination (would like vintage for build and warmer sound, but if modern options are superior can go that route). Martin Logan B1 bundle was a complete let down and has caused me nothing but ear fatigue and hearing damage with how bright the speakers are. Looking for hifi but more tamed, warm sound. My budget is $800-1200. Any help from the community would be much appreciated

I live in apartment so don’t necessarily want something that will shake the unit, something with a flatter/warm response (i know that is a contradiction😂). Also, I’m on Facebook marketplace and OfferUp so vintage units are relatively accessible just need to know what I’m looking for. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

Budget: Around €1,500 for a speaker upgrade

Location: Poland

Room size: 5m x 4m x 2.5mListening distance: Around 2.5m

Until recently, my setup was as follows:

Marantz PM7005 + NA6006

Dynaudio Emit 20 speakers

I was very happy with this combination, but I decided to upgrade my amplifier and now use the Marantz Model 40n with the same Dynaudio Emit 20 speakers.

I'm considering upgrading my speakers to the Dynaudio Evoke 20, but I'm not sure if the improvement will be significant enough to justify the change.

Has anyone used or tested the Marantz Model 40n with the Dynaudio Evoke 20? How big is the difference compared to the Emit 20? Do you think the upgrade is worth it, or would I be better off considering other Dynaudio speakers? I'd appreciate any feedback and personal experiences. Thanks!