Buying separates instead of integrated amp for future proofing?

[StefanSweden]

I want to start this thread by saying that my knowledge level is low and Im here to learn, so if any of my suggestions or questions are wierd ... thats why
I have a pair of Dali Oberon 1s, SVS SB-1000 Pro and Bluesound Powernode Edge but plan to upgrade eventully and want to share my toughts and questions here hoping that someone could point me in the right direction.

I like the bluesound eco system and now that they have partnerd up with Dirac Im even more convinced to stay with them. I want to keep things simple and if possible have a small footprint. I first thought of getting a powerful integrated amp, but they are costly and usually quite big and the technology goes quick and then you are left with an outdated chunk of metal. Then I saw someone suggesting a Wiim + power amp, and tought that sounded interesting as I would get more power, cheaper, the power amp could be hidden in the cabinet and the streamer is the only visable part. Is this a good idea? I was thinking Bluesound Node streamer with a Hypex power amp från Audiophonics, Apollon, Nord or similar.

I plan to buy floorstanders, but probably relatively small like Monitor Audio Silver 200/300 7G (8 ohm, power handling 150/200w), and Im trying to figure out how much power I need? Our livingroom is about 40 sqm (~430ft²) and I usually listen aroudn 75-80 db, but ocationally as loud as my present system allow before falling apart. The speakers will be used for movies aswell, but 80% of time its music. Hypex has the NC252MP which produce 150w in 8ohm and 250w in 4ohm and then the bigger NC502MP which give 350w in 8ohm and 500 in 4ohm. By the stats it seems like the NC252 is enough, but I´ve read about that more watts give you "headroom" and thats good. Im also thinking if I in the future buy bigger speakers the NC502 would handle that with ease? Should I buy the 502 while Im at it or is it siriously overkill in my situation?

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi,
It's well worth going back to the basic principles for what makes improvements to your sound ... in general, and assuming that nothing is broken or really badly designed;
#1 Speakers
#2 Your speakers in your room
#3 Music source
#4 Electronics

Your Powernode Edge is good, with a very good streamer, so are your speakers (known to be prone to brightness / boosted high frequencies) and so is your Sub. Don't automatically assume that adding more power is your first change.
Sub integration, as I am starting to understand, can be complicated.
Use of something like DIRAC to analyse and adjust your sound (EQ/DSP) would be a very good idea.

It would be sensible to understand what you mean by your system 'falling apart'; if this is the amplifier clipping or some sort of room effect. Other members here will have a better idea about this.
Before you spend money, why not try a measurement microphone (umic-1 is normally recommended) and make some measurements of your system in your room - see what is actually happening with sub integration, room interactions and underlying frequency response.

Hypex amplification is good, better speakers is always good ... but perhaps understand what you actually have first and get a baseline from which to make improvements.

Enjoy