Network streamer with hypex power amp recommendation

[Brume]

Hello everyone,
I currently own an integrated amp (marantz pm6006) that I'd like to upgrade. I'm leaning toward some hypex power amp, probably audiophonics 250w that is very well reviewed here. I'd like to pair it with some network player that would also work as a preamp with Tidal as a source. What would you recommend? I've seen the eversolo a6 or the wiim ultra as a cheap alternative.
I've also seen the all included audiophonics player/amp that reviewed well but I'm not a fan of having everything included in one unit as you can't upgrade parts anymore.
Please don't hesitate if you believe I should opt for something completely different.
Thanks!

 

[kemmler3D]

I haven't tried anything from Eversolo but I have had several WiiM units for over a year now, and I have no real complaints at this point, which I have to say is rare for an audio app. WiiM Ultra is more than good enough in terms of sound quality metrics, but even the WiiM Pro does really well if you don't need the volume knob or additional I/O.

Oh, and welcome to ASR!

 

[DWPress]

Haven't tried the others either but also very happy with the WiiM Pro I got for the house system about a year ago. The UI is fabulous and the firmware updates keep giving them more functionality. If you're in the Apple universe WiiMs just seem to work with everything from AppleTV to phones and tablets flawlessly so far and if you're interested in adding another zone of music or Roon endpoint even the cheapest offering integrates well.

 

[kyuu]

Been using the Wiim Amp myself, which is basically the same as any of the Wiim streamers just with a built-in app. I'd say it's not merely a "budget" option, but easily meets or beats just about any of its competition at nearly any price point in features and quality. If one could purchase a Dirac license for it, it'd be about as perfect a 2.1 channel option as I can imagine.

 

[ISchmidt]

I've moved from a full integrated Hegel H390 to a stereo amp with Purifi modules. For the streaming part and line-in for my turntable I'm very satisfied with a Bluesound node icon, after trying the Wiim Ultra and the node nano. The Ultra is good but the node is a superior device. The hypex amps are very reveling, so if combined with good speakers you will hear the nuances between the streamers.

 

[Purité Audio]

How is the node superior when the Ultra is audibly transparent?
Keith

 

[kyuu]

Well it costs more, of course.

Less snarkily, I suppose if one takes advantage of Dirac Live the Bluesound Node might have an advantage in terms of room correction over the Wiim.

 

[Overseas]

Wiim streamer and 3e audio amp?

 

[Brume]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Maybe it wasn't very clear but I indeed want a volume knob, I don't think I could live with the app only and I would be too afraid to damage the speakers... but everyone seems to agree the cheaper wiim ultra is more than good enough. The other options with a knob are much pricier.
As a side question, does anyone think an added preamp would be beneficial to the system or useless if you don't need more inputs?

 

[Brume]

Wiim streamer and 3e audio amp?

I'm sorry but what did you mean?

 

[Overseas]

3E AUDIO A7 Amplifier

3E Audio, a recognized player in the DIY world, now offers a Class D Stereo amplifier incorporating audiophile Hi-Fi components. The A7 amplifier is based on two TI TPA3255 chips in PBTL configuration, and two dual OPA1612A OPAs.

www.audiophonics.fr

This amp. Another one was reviewed on ASR, very good.

 

[Brume]

3E AUDIO A7 Amplifier

3E Audio, a recognized player in the DIY world, now offers a Class D Stereo amplifier incorporating audiophile Hi-Fi components. The A7 amplifier is based on two TI TPA3255 chips in PBTL configuration, and two dual OPA1612A OPAs.

www.audiophonics.fr

This amp. Another one was reviewed on ASR, very good.

Haven't heard of this brand. The volume knob is great to allow more streamer options. Will look into it, thanks.

 

[YSDR]

How is the node superior when the Ultra is audibly transparent?
Keith

Because not everyone wants an audible transparent sound but a colored/distorted one?

 

[Overseas]

Haven't heard of this brand. The volume knob is great to allow more streamer options. Will look into it, thanks.

Check ASR for 3e audio review, it is new but very good at affordable money. Lots of power.

 

[ISchmidt]

Because not everyone wants an audible transparent sound but a colored/distorted one?

Did you compare both?

 

[ISchmidt]

How is the node superior when the Ultra is audibly transparent?
Keith

Did you compare the Wiim with node by yourself?

 

[JeremyFife]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Maybe it wasn't very clear but I indeed want a volume knob, I don't think I could live with the app only and I would be too afraid to damage the speakers... but everyone seems to agree the cheaper wiim ultra is more than good enough. The other options with a knob are much pricier.
As a side question, does anyone think an added preamp would be beneficial to the system or useless if you don't need more inputs?

There's no benefit from also adding a preamp if you don't need more inputs and you don't need to increase the signal. WiiM is plenty.

 

[Purité Audio]

Did you compare both?

No but I understand what measurements mean and the Wiim is audibly transparent so if there is a difference the Node is adding audible distortion, I suspect they actually sound identical and cognitive bias is at play.
Try comparing unsighted.
Keith

 

[PloddyPastard]

I've moved from a full integrated Hegel H390 to a stereo amp with Purifi modules. For the streaming part and line-in for my turntable I'm very satisfied with a Bluesound node icon, after trying the Wiim Ultra and the node nano. The Ultra is good but the node is a superior device. The hypex amps are very reveling, so if combined with good speakers you will hear the nuances between the streamers.

What are these yellow/green cables in your Pictures? Is it for grounding? Thx

 

[ZolaIII]

I don't know what's the budget but I am certain you can spend it better. Upgrade speakers instead and sound processing then add basic streamer to the chain.