Kef R5 meta all in one amp (EU)

[JD1]

Hello everyone,

I intend on buying KEF R5 meta, and I'm having a hard time choosing the amp+streamer+dac+dsp choices (I'd prefer a all in one solution or as close to that as possible with a budget around 2000 - 2500 but I prefer to buy something good and reliable so I dont regret), I'm in EU and the store suggested 3 choices:

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 (which the reviews /posts here talk not so good about) €2400

Rose RS520 (a bit over intended budget) € 3700

Marantz Model 40 n (same as evo 150 posts don't talk good about it) € 2500


So I'd like some help / suggestions from knowledgeable people since honestly I don't feel one.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[staticV3]

More expensive ≠ more better.

WiiM Amp Ultra.

 

[somebodyelse]

Some test results for the WiiM Amp Ultra:
https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/electronics/wiim_amp_ultra/

Still waiting for test results for the Eversolo Play but it might be worth a look too.

Either would leave plenty of budget to get a measurement mic for more accurate room correction, and maybe a sub or some room treatment.

 

[kemmler3D]

+1 for WiiM, the app is decent and actually works as expected, which IMO is often enough the weak point of "smart" audio gear that it really deserves your consideration. It may seem suspiciously cheap compared to your budget but the performance is there if it's not enough power for your needs.

 

[IngMishael]

Hello everyone,

I intend on buying KEF R5 meta, and I'm having a hard time choosing the amp+streamer+dac+dsp choices (I'd prefer a all in one solution or as close to that as possible with a budget around 2000 - 2500 but I prefer to buy something good and reliable so I dont regret), I'm in EU and the store suggested 3 choices:

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 (which the reviews /posts here talk not so good about) €2400

Rose RS520 (a bit over intended budget) € 3700

Marantz Model 40 n (same as evo 150 posts don't talk good about it) € 2500


So I'd like some help / suggestions from knowledgeable people since honestly I don't feel one.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Are you bent on the all in one?

 

[JD1]

Are you bent on the all in one?

Not necessarily, it's just simpler, but above all I want something I won't regret, so, best performance/for buck spent

 

[Koeitje]

Not necessarily, it's just simpler, but above all I want something I won't regret, so, best performance/for buck spent

I'd go streamer + power amplifier. Gives you more flexibility and choice.

 

[Jasperous]

Wiim Pro Plus + Is Wiim Vibe (Good)
OR
Wiim Pro Plus + Topping LA90D (Great)

I suggest against the Wiim Ultra because it has no Airplay

 

[JD1]

Wiim Pro Plus + Is Wiim Vibe (Good)
OR
Wiim Pro Plus + Topping LA90D (Great)

I suggest against the Wiim Ultra because it has no Airplay

Wouldn't I need 2x topping LA90D (in mono?) to feed the 2 KEF r5 meta speakers.

 

[JD1]

More expensive ≠ more better.

WiiM Amp Ultra.

What about the AMP?

 

[staticV3]

Wouldn't I need 2x topping LA90D (in mono?) to feed the 2 KEF r5 meta speakers.

Depends on your desired playback levels.

You can use this calculator to get an approximate power requirement: http://www.hometheaterengineering.com/splcalculator.html

The R5 Meta has about 83dB (1W/1m)

 

[staticV3]

What about the AMP?

What Amp, and what about it?

 

[JD1]

Depends on your desired playback levels.

You can use this calculator to get an approximate power requirement: http://www.hometheaterengineering.com/splcalculator.html

The R5 Meta has about 83dB (1W/1m)

200 watt rms so I could use it all the way if I wanted.

 

[JD1]

What Amp, and what about it?

I meant Wiim for streamer but what AMP do you recommend that can handle 200 watt rms per channel or 250 to leave headroom.

 

[Jasperous]

I meant Wiim for streamer but what AMP do you recommend that can handle 200 watt rms per channel or 250 to leave headroom.

That’s a LOT of power. I rarely see anyone ever needing that much power. You’d be better off to get a subwoofer or go for the R7/R11.

If you are set on more power, get a single LA90D, and get another one when needed

 

[JD1]

That’s a LOT of power. I rarely see anyone ever needing that much power. You’d be better off to get a subwoofer or go for the R7/R11.

If you are set on more power, get a single LA90D, and get another one when needed

I think I will go for wiim ultra plus 1 topping la90d and see if I'm satisfied. Since the pro plus is nice aswell but no HDMI

 

[Snoopy]

I think I will go for wiim ultra plus 1 topping la90d and see if I'm satisfied. Since the pro plus is nice aswell but no HDMI

And when your speakers start popping and the amp is dead 6 months later you will be back here

I would get the Marantz

 

[IngMishael]

Not necessarily, it's just simpler, but above all I want something I won't regret, so, best performance/for buck spent

Alright your speakers have a sensitivity rating of [email protected]/1m with minimum impedance of 3.3 Ohm at 150Hz so not at a frequency you can easily hand over to a subwoofer unless you want to cross extremely high using stereo subs.

So you'd need at least a 2 ohm stable amp with decent headroom to get you to 75dBC SPL at your desired listening distance with peaks into 95dB (20dB headroom)

Assuming you're listening at 9ft, that will be roughly 60 Watts into 4 Ohm

My recommend is the Wiim Ultra if you don't use Apple Music paired with a stereo power amp that can do 100Watts into 4 Ohm, no sweat and is stable to 2 Ohms. Get this combo set from Audiophonics - https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/prod...nics-wire-rca-30cm-trigger-cable-p-19806.html


And invest in a subwoofer. This would do - Arendal 1961 1S

 

[somebodyelse]

I meant Wiim for streamer but what AMP do you recommend that can handle 200 watt rms per channel or 250 to leave headroom.

The suggestion was for a Wiim Amp Ultra - it's an all in one that will output 200W into 4R. That's why "What about the AMP?" was confusing. Erin has recently tested it:
https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/electronics/wiim_amp_ultra/

 

[JD1]

Alright your speakers have a sensitivity rating of [email protected]/1m with minimum impedance of 3.3 Ohm at 150Hz so not at a frequency you can easily hand over to a subwoofer unless you want to cross extremely high using stereo subs.

So you'd need at least a 2 ohm stable amp with decent headroom to get you to 75dBC SPL at your desired listening distance with peaks into 95dB (20dB headroom)

Assuming you're listening at 9ft, that will be roughly 60 Watts into 4 Ohm

My recommend is the Wiim Ultra if you don't use Apple Music paired with a stereo power amp that can do 100Watts into 4 Ohm, no sweat and is stable to 2 Ohms. Get this combo set from Audiophonics - https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/prod...nics-wire-rca-30cm-trigger-cable-p-19806.html


And invest in a subwoofer. This would do - Arendal 1961 1S

I like this option as it is budget friendly I'm just worried about

"This amplifier does not have a decoupling capacitor, so it lets the DC component of the signal through. Make sure your source has no DC component present at the output. The DC protection of the module switches on at 12VDC which is very permissive."

WiiM ultra won't fry anything or ruin speakers will it? Or a power spike or something.