Advice request - My first hifi system

[Premier]

Hello Community,

I am a beginner and am considering getting my first 2 channels hi-fi system.
Room 21 sqm (226 squared feet), streaming main source. Most usage for music purposes (classic, jazz, rock, pop, latino), from time to time for movies.

I am thinking of a system consisting of:
- Streaming Player (including DAC)
- Integrated amplifier class AB or D
- Passive floorstanding speakers with bass reflex (to place possibly not too far from walls)
- Budget ~ 4500€ (flexibility upward depending on very special offers)
- Cable

The following are the technical features that I would like to have in my system:
- Multiroom possibility
- Min. resolution 24bit / 192kHz
- Bluetooth codecs AptX
- Room correction (e.g. Dirac)
- Headphone output
- XLR (nice to have)
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Bi-wiring/amping option

At this stage, I have not yet decided which setup might sound better for me. Of course auditions will be necessary.

1) Streamer + integrated amp (AB class) + floorstanding speakers:
1a) Wiim Ultra + Yamaha AS1200 + Speakers
1b) Wiim Ultra + Cambridge EXA100 + Speakers
1c) Wiim Ultra + Marantz Model30 + Speakers

2) Streaming amp (D Class) + floorstanding speakers
2a) NAD C3050 (incl. Bluos + Dirac) + Wharfedale Linton or SBP Passif 50
2b) NAD C399 + (incl. Bluos + Dirac) + speakers

My questions to you guys:
I) Which chain do you find more interesting?
II) Which floorstanding speakers would you match to?
III) Are there any cable you would also suggest?

Looking forward to hearing your opinions/advice.
New ideas are also very welcome!

Your support on this will be much appreciated.
Thanks a lot in advance!

 

[antcollinet]

Streaming amps tend to be overpriced (especially those Nad ones) and quickly become obsolete as streaming services/protocols change.

So I would lean towards the separate streamer. The Wiim ultra you are proposing is an excellent choice.

I also favour Yamaha amps, so that would do it for me if you really need an integrated amp. But you don't really - The wiim ultra will do pretty much all you need - so a power amp based on Purify or Hypex modules might be a better and more cost effective solution. You can put the savings towards speakers which is where the sound quality comes from.

But consider also active speakers, typically giving more bang/£$ than amp + speakers as separates.


- in which case you system becomes:

Wiim ultra + Active speakers. But make sure you can run a digital connection from the Wiim to the speakers, since it does not have balanced out.

 

[DMill]

Based on your 1st two options I think you’re a bit like me in wanting something a little sexy from your amp/pre. Most here will suggest amplification has been solved (it has) so something like an AS1200 is a big part of your budget and you’d be way better off spending on speakers. I can’t speak to the NAD offerings, but I’m sure they are both great. If you must have a sexy amp, maybe look at the Yamaha RNA1000. It’s got room correction and streaming. Throw in the Lintons and it’s rock solid. Or buy a Buckeye amp and the WiiM and have a few bucks more for other speaker considerations or an added sub. I won’t comment on cables as anything decent will work. It’s pretty amazing what your budget will get you these days. Good luck.

 

[Apesbrain]

If I were starting over, I'd also look at the NAD C 700 V2.

 

[BillH]

My suggestion
Wiim ultra $350 USD
Buckeye Hype. NC252MP $575 USD
Philharmonic BMR $2200 - currently sold out
Moderate Sub tbd $1000 or so
Couple hundred for shipping and cables ( cheap ones because it doesn’t matter)

There are many other good speakers- ascend, revel, Kef, etc

 

[kemmler3D]

I always say it in threads like this, so feel free to ignore, but the KEF LS60 hits most of your criteria and are excellent performers in that price range. Probably can get them for the $4500, add a couple WiiM units later on for multiroom and there you go. I have a set and zero regrets.

If you are keen on separates (there are good reasons to be) then there are good suggestions in this thread already.

Oh, and welcome to ASR!

 

[terryforsythe]

Here is a guide with passive speaker ratings based on objective measurement data:

Passive Speaker Recommendations for USA (by @sweetchaos)

I'm constantly asked which speakers to purchase...so, here you go! :D This guide is for PASSIVE speakers. For ACTIVE speakers go here. Click on the "Spoiler" buttons below to expand each section. Readme: Legend: Never Buy This Brand: Passive Bookshelf Speakers: Passive...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Here is a guide with active speaker ratings based on objective measurement data:

Active Speaker Recommendations for USA (by @sweetchaos)

I'm constantly asked which speakers to purchase...so, here you go! :D This guide is for ACTIVE speakers. For PASSIVE speakers go here. Click on the "Spoiler" buttons below to expand each section. Readme: Legend: Active Speakers (aka Studio Monitors): Bookshelf speakers (when turned 90deg)...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Here is another resource for Speaker reviews based on objective measurements:

Loudspeakers

The Sound of Science

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

If you like the look of the KEF LS60 Wireless speakers, I concur with kemmler3D's recommendation. They are a very good value, in my opinion. I have a pair and I love them. But, if you really want DiracLive, you would need to also run a mini PC. I use a Raspberry Pi running CamillaDSP for room correction. Another option is to use a WiiM streamer that has integrated room correction.

 

[kyuu]

Can't argue with the recommendations already given. The KEF LS60 is a very, very good option.

However, if you want to stick with passive speakers (which is a perfectly sensible desire), then going with a budget of ~$3500 for the pair (leaving $1000 for the electronics) I might recommend:

1) KEF Q11 Meta
2) Revel F206
3) Open-box JBL HDI-3800 (if you want a speaker with high sensitivity, low extension, and which can play loud effortlessly, otherwise I'd rate it under the other options)
4) Ascend Acoustics Sierra Towers (Titan Dome)

 

[DWPress]

Or buy a Buckeye amp and the WiiM and have a few bucks more for other speaker considerations or an added sub.

And spend the rest of the budget on the best speakers you can.

WiiM doesn't have a Dirac option but the built in PEQ is pretty good for dialing in a system with a mic and REW for starters. I have a WiiM Pro in the house system and it's performed flawlessly for over a year as an extra zone for Roon, casting/airplay to it for guests, never a reboot, firmware keeps improving functionality, and a great GUI.

 

[Premier]

Hi all –

Many thanks for dedicating me part of your time with your contributions.
I can reply you all only now and raise immediately also another question:

> what new or updated products could/should we expect in 2025?

----- @#2 -----
I am realizing that the Wiim Ultra with its preamp and DAC could do a lot of the required job.
I have started seriously considering a D-Class Power Amp based on Hypex or Purifi modules.

Buckeye and VTV a easy to find in North-America, here in Europe where I am writing from, there other producers such as Audiophonics, Nord, IOM. I do not think, they sell through dealers.
I know that NAD uses Hypex modules, I could listen to a C399 to get a better idea.

I have some concerns:
1) Durability of such modules in terms of hardware and obsolence– I am searching for a long-lasting (as possible) solution, I can shoot only once, and I prefer “buy once, cry once”
2) Customer service of the producer in case I need something to be repaired
3) The reproduction of a “sound” that can be described “analytical” ,“dry”, “thin”.

And an addition thought:
4) What if decided to add in the mid-term, a good (SA)CD player or hard disk for high-res music (if I decided to buy “my own” music)


----- @#2 @#6 @#7 -----
I exclude the option of Active Speakers.

I agree on the fact to invest more on the loudspeakers, rather than on electronics. In my opinion, even if they could be sonically excellent, they could bear the risk of obsolescence due to changing protocols. I can see a paradox: since good active floorstandng speakers are more expensive than a streaming amplifier, at the end I would spend more money on something easily subject to obsolescence and this is what I want to avoid.

Additionally, I prefer “hard” solutions: plug a cable and play. Several times, I experienced failures or issues with Bluetooth or wireless connections and I do not want to bear this risk, when I expect to enjoy my time with music.

 

[Premier]

Here is a guide with passive speaker ratings based on objective measurement data:

Passive Speaker Recommendations for USA (by @sweetchaos)

I'm constantly asked which speakers to purchase...so, here you go! :D This guide is for PASSIVE speakers. For ACTIVE speakers go here. Click on the "Spoiler" buttons below to expand each section. Readme: Legend: Never Buy This Brand: Passive Bookshelf Speakers: Passive...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Here is a guide with active speaker ratings based on objective measurement data:

Active Speaker Recommendations for USA (by @sweetchaos)

I'm constantly asked which speakers to purchase...so, here you go! :D This guide is for ACTIVE speakers. For PASSIVE speakers go here. Click on the "Spoiler" buttons below to expand each section. Readme: Legend: Active Speakers (aka Studio Monitors): Bookshelf speakers (when turned 90deg)...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Here is another resource for Speaker reviews based on objective measurements:

Loudspeakers

The Sound of Science

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

If you like the look of the KEF LS60 Wireless speakers, I concur with kemmler3D's recommendation. They are a very good value, in my opinion. I have a pair and I love them. But, if you really want DiracLive, you would need to also run a mini PC. I use a Raspberry Pi running CamillaDSP for room correction. Another option is to use a WiiM streamer that has integrated room correction.

Very helpful, many thanks.

Unfortunately, after a quick research, I cannot find some brands on the German market
Do you know if the speakers sold on the European market were also similarly discussed?

 

[terryforsythe]

Do you know if the speakers sold on the European market were also similarly discussed?

I don't know, I haven't seen it. Perhaps some members in the EU will chime it.

In which speakers were you interested?

If I remember correctly, there is an amplifier manufacturer in Europe that assembles amplifiers using Hypex and/or Purify modules. Again, perhaps someone will chime it.

I assembled a Hypex Nilai500DIY. It was quite easy: https://www.diyclassd.com/products/diy-amplifier-kits/nilai500diy-250w-stereo-power-amplifier-kit

 

[Thomas Savage]

I'd spend 4.5k on the best active monitors you can find , send them whatever from a cheap performative DAC via phone for music or optical from TV source.

Then add to it as time goes by , you will never regret those active stand mounts.

 

[pogo]

1) Streamer + integrated amp (AB class) + floorstanding speakers

Bluesound Node Icon + Purifi amp + floorstanding speakers

 

[Premier]

Bluesound Node Icon + Purifi amp + floorstanding speakers

Bluesound Node Icon was my first choice at the beginnig, then I discovered Wiim Ultra that for 700€ does the same things also well.

I think, someone has also confirmed below my post.

Regarding the power-amp, I am still thinking, if I will be able to appreciate the quality of Purifi and listen to its differences in respect to a NCore/NCoreX module (much cheaper) so that my extra financial effort can be justified.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Bluesound Node Icon was my first choice at the beginnig, then I discovered Wiim Ultra that for 700€ does the same things also well.

I think, someone has also confirmed below my post.

Regarding the power-amp, I am still thinking, if I will be able to appreciate the quality of Purifi and listen to its differences in respect to a NCore/NCoreX module (much cheaper) so that my extra financial effort can be justified.

It is my understanding that Dylan of Buckeye Amps is on record as saying he has difficulty reliably hearing a difference between the Purifi or Hypex modules he offers.

Consider an amp using a Hypex Ncore module from a reliable vendor and apply any savings towards loudspeakers, room treatment, or room correction software.

 

[pogo]

Bluesound Node Icon was my first choice at the beginnig, then I discovered Wiim Ultra that for 700€ does the same things also well.

No. The Icon has Dirac Live.

 

[terryforsythe]

No. The Icon has Dirac Live.

Not quite. It is "Dirac Live Ready". Dirac Live must be purchased separately "directly from Dirac" according to Bluesound's website.

That adds even more to the cost. For the Bluesound Node Icon, the limited bandwidth version of Dirac Live adds an additional $159, and the full bandwidth version of Dirac Live adds an additional $249.

 

[antcollinet]

then I discovered Wiim Ultra that for 700€

Where are you seeing Wiim ultra that high?

It is £350 in UK. Thats just over 420EUR.

 

[pogo]

the full bandwidth version of Dirac Live adds an additional $249

You won't get so much sound gain for so little cost with any other measure.