Exposure, Cambridge and Spendor

[u12345]

Hi,

I have a pair of Spendor classic 4/5 speakers currently connected to a NAD
C 356BEE integrated amp and a chromecast audio dongle. I also have a project turntable connected via a separate Cambridge RIAA amp.

I am primarily using streaming, Spotify/qobuz lossless and looking to upgrade my setup and reduce the number of boxes.

Also I have a multi room setup using chromecast which I am very happy with so need some setup that can can join the google group - for less focused/casual listening.

I am currently considering the following:

- Exposure 2510 integrated amplifier (comes with MM RIAA, one box down!)
- Cambridge MXN10 streamer/DAC (supports chrome cast but also comes with streammagic stream protocol, e.g. for focused listening)


I prefer class A/B amplifiers to class D based on listening experience


Any thoughts/input to the above?

 

[voodooless]

Any thoughts/input to the above?

Don't be classist, don't trust your biases.

There is no need to spend nearly that much on a 75W amp.

What about room correction features? What do you think to gain from a new setup? What is missing now?

 

[Tom C]

I’m pretty happy with Wiim Ultra. I wanted to keep my power amp. If 100 watts per channel is enough power for you, a Wiim Amp Ultra would let you do everything with a single compact box. Very elegant (IMO), and excellent performance.

 

[u12345]

#2 it’s not just about the sonic quality/performance. It’s also about less wires and boxes. So finding an integrated amplifier that has a built in riaa is a priority.

And it’s also a requirement that I can keep using my multi room setup based on chromecast.

Also what I have experienced over the years is that it’s not only about the amount of watts you get but also about the construction. There are plenty of cheap/crappy 2x150 watts amplifiers

 

[voodooless]

It’s also about less wires and boxes. So finding an integrated amplifier that has a built in riaa is a priority.

A WiiM Amp Ultra would still give you 2 boxes, as does your original setup. And the box would be much smaller

You'll be hard-pressed to find something in one box when an RIAA is involved. Maybe look at NAD C3050 or Yamaha R-N2000A? Both look quite excellent as well. But Chromecast is a bit of an issue, given that it's a bit of a dead-end technology.

 

[u12345]

#5 It’s still less than what i have now with the separate Cambridge Riaa amplifier.

The Hegel H150 checks all boxes but requires wired internet and is also a bit over budget.

 

[VMAT4]

A WiiM Amp Ultra would still give you 2 boxes, as does your original setup. And the box would be much smaller

You'll be hard-pressed to find something in one box when an RIAA is involved. Maybe look at NAD C3050 or Yamaha R-N2000A? Both look quite excellent as well.

I'd go with the Yamaha over the NAD for reliability and longevity reasons. Maybe even look into an R-N800A to keep cost lower. But, really, it's hard to beat the WiiM Amp Ultra!

 

[voodooless]

#5 It’s still less than what i have now with the separate Cambridge Riaa amplifier.

Less? In what way?

The Hegel H150 checks all boxes but requires wired internet and is also a bit over budget.

Another Hegal amp wasn't reviewed very well here:

Hegel H95 Review (Streaming Amplifier)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Hegel H95 integrated amplifier with DAC and streaming support. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $2000. The H95 looks pretty nice: I really like the large, high resolution and very responsive graphic display. What I don't like is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[u12345]

Less? In what way?

Another Hegal amp wasn't reviewed very well here:

Hegel H95 Review (Streaming Amplifier)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Hegel H95 integrated amplifier with DAC and streaming support. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $2000. The H95 looks pretty nice: I really like the large, high resolution and very responsive graphic display. What I don't like is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Less in:

Current setup: NAD Amp, Cambridge riaa, chromecast dongle = 3 boxes

Vs:

Future setup: exposure amp with built in riaa, Cambridge MXN10 dac/streamer = 2 boxes

And yes also somewhat skeptic about Hegel

 

[Power Pop 23]

Hi,

I have a pair of Spendor classic 4/5 speakers currently connected to a NAD
C 356BEE integrated amp and a chromecast audio dongle. I also have a project turntable connected via a separate Cambridge RIAA amp.

I am primarily using streaming, Spotify/qobuz lossless and looking to upgrade my setup and reduce the number of boxes.

Also I have a multi room setup using chromecast which I am very happy with so need some setup that can can join the google group - for less focused/casual listening.

I am currently considering the following:

- Exposure 2510 integrated amplifier (comes with MM RIAA, one box down!)
- Cambridge MXN10 streamer/DAC (supports chrome cast but also comes with streammagic stream protocol, e.g. for focused listening)


I prefer class A/B amplifiers to class D based on listening experience


Any thoughts/input to the above?

A 'one box' solution that is big and black may be the Onkyo TX-RZ30 AVR - currently $799 at Adorama in NYC.

It supports Google Chromecast, Spotify and comes with a paid license for Dirac Live.

I don't know how well this Onkyo AVR plays with Qobuz.

TX-RZ30 9.2 Channel AV Receiver | Onkyo

The Onkyo TX-RZ30 AV Receiver offers 100 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More. Shop Now!

onkyo.com

https://www.adorama.com/onkyo-tx-rz30-9-2-channel-8k-av-receiver/p/ontxrz30bmdc

 

[Salt]

NAD have some offers, too.