Proposed system: Wiim Ultra streamer -> RME ADI-DAC2 FS -> Benchmark AHD2 -> Focal Kanta 3

[MathBone]

I've been happily listening to headphones for years now, but as life turns out, I have an opportunity now to build out a home stereo! I'm currently thinking that I would run a streamer to a RME ADI-DAC2 FS that I already own, and then to an amplifier and a pair of large floor standing speakers. In particular I'm thinking that the Benchmark AHD2 and a pair of Focal Kanta 3s would be really great. Do you guys have any opinion on this combination? (Wiim Ultra streamer -> RME DAC -> Benchmark AHD2 -> Kanta 3). If you have any suggestions for substituions or alternatives I would love to hear that too. The room is 16ftx24ft and the back wall is semi-open to another room, which probably affects reflections or bass modes, but I'm not really sure how that stuff works.

Main concern with the proposed stack is whether the Kanta 3 needs monoblocks or if a single Benchmark AHD2 can suffice? I don't listen to music at unusually loud levels or anything, perhaps lower volume than most people even. My main interest is in having the most realistic singing voices in the room as possible. That truly thrills me, whereas I don't need to throw a loud dance party with deafening loud volumes hehe.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[MAB]

Nice gear.

The Focal I have heard are bright, as the measurements show too. I haven’t heard the Kanta 3. Stereophile measured the No. 2 and find similar.

Focal Kanta No.2 loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com

Sidebar 4: Measurements I used DRA Labs' MLSSA system and a calibrated DPA 4006 microphone to measure the Focal Kanta No.2's frequency response in the farfield, and an Earthworks QTC-40 for the nearfield responses. All the measurements were performed without the grilles, other than the...

www.stereophile.com

The WiiM and RME are both awesome, but you don’t need the RME if you have the WiiM Ultra. You would have two completely redundant DAC and PEQ, both at the top of the charts for performance, both so far beyond audibility.

The speakers are very fairly efficient, I don’t think you need a second amp.

I would get the WiiM, one amp, and the speakers you like.

 

[Leeken]

Have you gone out and listened to the Kantas? I was going to get a pair of kanta 2,second song of the demo they actually gave me a migraine,for that first song they were excellent,only pair of speakers which ever had that effect on me,in fact I find most things sound a bit samey,these definitely don’t.

 

[Paul7777x]

I’d suggest, if you must have floorstanders, then you consider the newClarity 66.

And as you’re insisting on superb sound and vocal realism (which simply means realism across the entire FR) then you will, absolutely need room correction.

So as an amp I’d choose one of the Lyngdorf TDAi

Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66

Just released, 7.998 euro a pair: “Clarity 66 is the ultimate expression of the Clarity design philosophy. A full-range floor-standing speaker designed for extreme precision, immense power, deep linear bass, and distortion below the threshold of audibility. Capable of reaching breathtaking...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Paul7777x]

… but for what you’re going to spend I’d really rather have the Kii Threes or D&D 8C

Kii THREE Speakers | Compact Full-Range Active Hi-Fi System

Kii THREE packs 1500 W per speaker, full‑range response and cardioid room control into a compact active loudspeaker for high‑end home listening in real rooms.

www.kiiaudio.com

8c Speaker - Dutch & Dutch

Dutch & Dutch 8c Active Loudspeakers shop. HiFi and Studio versions available!

dutchdutch.com

Either speaker is full range and has room correction sorted.

No messing with anything, just effectively plug and play superb music.