Full amp setup recommendations

[amac]

Hi all,

I'm building my first new hi-fi system and seek some guidance on amplifiers. My speakers will be locally made floorstanders using SB acoustics drivers with the potential of a sub.
The sources for this system will be streaming music from my phone and watching streamed movies on my TV.

My initial thoughts was to use an 80W integrated amplifier (e.g. Rotel A14MKII or Cambridge CXA81) with a WiiM mini. This will cost $1,650 AUD or $1,077 USD with the help of black Friday sales.

However, since browsing this forum I have come across powered amp's which can deliver good power at good cost e.g. topping. But I'm finding the learning curve quite steep regarding the separate amp, pre amp and streamer etc and I must make my decision within the next few days while the black friday sales are on.

Can you please provide me with some recommendations up to around $1,500 USD RRP that would be an improvement on the integrated amp & Wiim mini combo.
I would like:
-similar power to the 80W integrated amps listed above.
-remote w volume etc
-music streaming, spotify/tidal etc
-HMDI and optical input for TV
-sub woofer functionality (potentially not a deal breaker as I'm not 100% on getting one)
-minimalist, not too many separate devices

Hope this makes sense, thanks!

 

[voodooless]

Why not build an active system? Save on the crossover, and put it towards some DSP amps, like from Hypex (fusion). Add a WiiM Ultra, and connect digitally to the amps via SPDIF.

Otherwise, WiiM amp (pro) should solve everything in one box

 

[Rit]

I am quite happy using the WiiM ultra streamer and a Buckeye Purifi amplifier paired to the Arendal 1961 bookshelf’s and a RSL 10s subwoofer.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Hi all,

I'm building my first new hi-fi system and seek some guidance on amplifiers. My speakers will be locally made floorstanders using SB acoustics drivers with the potential of a sub.
The sources for this system will be streaming music from my phone and watching streamed movies on my TV.

My initial thoughts was to use an 80W integrated amplifier (e.g. Rotel A14MKII or Cambridge CXA81) with a WiiM mini. This will cost $1,650 AUD or $1,077 USD with the help of black Friday sales.

However, since browsing this forum I have come across powered amp's which can deliver good power at good cost e.g. topping. But I'm finding the learning curve quite steep regarding the separate amp, pre amp and streamer etc and I must make my decision within the next few days while the black friday sales are on.

Can you please provide me with some recommendations up to around $1,500 USD RRP that would be an improvement on the integrated amp & Wiim mini combo.
I would like:
-similar power to the 80W integrated amps listed above.
-remote w volume etc
-music streaming, spotify/tidal etc
-HMDI and optical input for TV
-sub woofer functionality (potentially not a deal breaker as I'm not 100% on getting one)
-minimalist, not too many separate devices

Hope this makes sense, thanks!

Welcome to ASR !

Consider looking at the feature set offered by the WiiM Amp Ultra. I am uncertain how much it costs in your locale.

 

[amac]

Thanks for the responses, currently not interested in active speakers and the ones I'm buying are very well priced and sound as good to my ears as branded speakers double the price.

The wiim ultra seems popular and has 100W, it is currently on sale for $470 USD ($719 aud) and this almost seems too good to be true! in comparison to an AB amp like the Rotel.

 

[RexrothPigeon]

-minimalist, not too many separate devices

...

not interested in active speakers

...

 

[sceptical1]

Thanks for the responses, currently not interested in active speakers and the ones I'm buying are very well priced and sound as good to my ears as branded speakers double the price.

The wiim ultra seems popular and has 100W, it is currently on sale for $470 USD ($719 aud) and this almost seems too good to be true! in comparison to an AB amp like the Rotel.

Tell us more about your speakers. Everyone on the forum is interested in twice as good for half the price.

 

[Chrispy]

To me "amp" means power amp without any other features. Most 2ch integrated amps lack good bass management for subs plus are limited on power generally (and often limited digital options). I'd look to a good pre-amp and power amp combo more than an integrated amp. For an integrated amp with reasonable amp section and some good features, the Wiim amps are attractive.

 

[amac]

To me "amp" means power amp without any other features. Most 2ch integrated amps lack good bass management for subs plus are limited on power generally (and often limited digital options). I'd look to a good pre-amp and power amp combo more than an integrated amp. For an integrated amp with reasonable amp section and some good features, the Wiim amps are attractive.

Any suggestions for pre-amp and power amp combos?

 

[Chrispy]

Any suggestions for pre-amp and power amp combos?

Many suitable devices have been reviewed here on ASR, I'd start there.

 

[Rit]

I find the preamp section of the WiiM fine for my application.