Dog's Breakfast?

[Hoarseman]

Hi folks
I apologize for the length of my query but I want to give a clear overview of my challenge. I have a piecemeal collection of audio devices and I am looking for some advice on how best to complete it to end up with a better but still modest audio system for my needs.

This is what I currently have:

· Fosi T20 tube amplifier
· ART DjPre II pre-amplifier
· Fluance RT82 turntable
· Polk XT20 Monitors
· Wiim Mini with remote
· Taotronics bluetooth 4.0 transmitter dongle
· iFi Audio GO Link Portable DAC and Amp
· Qudelix-5K Bluetooth USB DAC AMP
· Philips SHP9500 headphones

Digital music is stored on a dedicated mini-pc and a Hiby R2 DAP.

I’m thinking of getting a power amplifier that would provide greater flexibility and better sound than my current tube amp, while using as many of the other existing components in a best case/bang-for-buck configuration if practical.

My budget is between $100-$400 Canadian (~$70-$300 USD). Amps in that range that I have looked at so far include everything from a Fosi BT20A or V3, to an Ayima 07 Pro or Max, on up to a SMLS A0300, or a Loxjie A30 and A40.

Primary use is for listening to my digital and vinyl collections within a small condo environment, Qobus for streaming, and watching concerts on TV.

With these existing abilities and constraints I’m just a little lost as to what would be a good option that retains the small physical footprint and with usage that’s as uncomplicated as possible.

I greatly appreciate any suggestions.

 

[kemmler3D]

For this setup, (based on this review) the first thing I would do is implement a high shelf using the WiiM and take everything above 700hz down 2-3dB, maybe 4-5dB above 10khz. This will cost $0 and get you noticeably closer to balanced sound.

Then I would think carefully about what you like and dislike about the sound. 9/10 times the limiting factor is the speakers. You have enough budget to do a hair better on those, especially if you sell the XT20s. In that price range you can find secondhand JBL or even Elac stuff that will sound nicer.

There's another option, which is to add a sub to this existing setup and integrate it using the WiiM. You're missing out on bass and that's not a trivial component of sound quality. Passable subs can be found within your budget, I just put 2 BIC F12s in my office for $250. Nothing fancy but at low/moderate SPL and with EQ they do the job.

As for the amp upgrade, your options seem reasonable, but even though your current amp may not be totally transparent, you aren't guaranteed to hear a huge improvement.

There also seem to be some redundancies in your setup - two portable DAC-Amps, a BT transmitter when the WiiM has BT, etc. Maybe they are all in use but I think you might be able to consolidate.

 

[Chrispy]

For clarification for us not in the Brits-phere, definition of dog's breakfast

noun​

1. An unappealing mixture; a disorderly situation; a mess.
2. A poor job; a mess.

 

[Hoarseman]

For clarification for us not in the Brits-phere, definition of dog's breakfast

noun​

1. An unappealing mixture; a disorderly situation; a mess.
2. A poor job; a mess.

Too harsh? ;-)

 

[Hoarseman]

For this setup, (based on this review) the first thing I would do is implement a high shelf using the WiiM and take everything above 700hz down 2-3dB, maybe 4-5dB above 10khz. This will cost $0 and get you noticeably closer to balanced sound.

Then I would think carefully about what you like and dislike about the sound. 9/10 times the limiting factor is the speakers. You have enough budget to do a hair better on those, especially if you sell the XT20s. In that price range you can find secondhand JBL or even Elac stuff that will sound nicer.

There's another option, which is to add a sub to this existing setup and integrate it using the WiiM. You're missing out on bass and that's not a trivial component of sound quality. Passable subs can be found within your budget, I just put 2 BIC F12s in my office for $250. Nothing fancy but at low/moderate SPL and with EQ they do the job.

As for the amp upgrade, your options seem reasonable, but even though your current amp may not be totally transparent, you aren't guaranteed to hear a huge improvement.

There also seem to be some redundancies in your setup - two portable DAC-Amps, a BT transmitter when the WiiM has BT, etc. Maybe they are all in use but I think you might be able to consolidate.

Thanks for the response!

I partially based my recent purchase (three weeks ago) of the Polk XT20’s on Erin’s findings in that review. That, and the fact that I found them as open-box new with full warranty for $179Cdn for the pair ($133USD). I find they sound amazing with the eq tweaking you referenced and placing them off axis. Erin subsequently further validated my decision to buy them in an episode 12 days ago on his YT channel comparing the XT20’s to nine other pairs under $300. I’m not sure yet whether I will need to add a sub – still early days...

In my perhaps TMI description of what I was looking to learn through my post, I maybe should have focused more specifically on why I’m looking at a different amp. Namely, my tube amp only has the single, RCA input along with BT. My challenge is do I replace it with a simple, better power amp and integrate the Wiim, one of the DAC dongles and purchase of an inexpensive HDMI audio extractor into that and if so, how, or flog off the dongles and the tube amp for a 4x more expensive amp such as the AO300 or A40 (or others?) which appear to be able to do that otb?

 

[Chrispy]

Too harsh? ;-)

More obscure than harsh.

 

[kemmler3D]

I found them as open-box new with full warranty for $179Cdn for the pair ($133USD).

That's a pretty killer deal, good bang for buck there definitely.

My challenge is do I replace it with a simple, better power amp and integrate the Wiim, one of the DAC dongles and purchase of an inexpensive HDMI audio extractor into that and if so, how, or flog off the dongles and the tube amp for a 4x more expensive amp such as the AO300 or A40 (or others?) which appear to be able to do that otb?

You might consider selling all of it and getting a WiiM Amp - includes all the functionality you mentioned in one box, plus there is a sub out if you decide to augment the system with one at some point. It's a little goofy because it costs more than 2x what you paid for the speakers, but you can't hold their being a very good deal against them or the system.

 

[Hoarseman]

I indeed got lucky with those Polks

In the end I decided to go for a Wiim Ultra as the system hub, to get the various source outputs corralled. In the meantime I will stick with the Fosi , until I stumble across the next surprise bargain find in an amp

Thanks for your suggestions

 

[A Surfer]

More obscure than harsh.

I use the saying dog's breakfast and I have also known it to mean exactly how you defined it, and I'm across the pond.

 

[GD Fan]

Gotta love such amusing Britishisms.