Seeking a bit of help on a new system

[BMCL]

Hello,

I am new here but have enjoyed reading many of the threads here, although some have left me more confused about what to get than I was before

I have recently moved and my listening space is a bit unusual. The total room size is about 15 feet by 25 feet. This area includes a kitchen, the actual listening area is probably 15x15 ish. I have some size constraints as doors are not placed in great locations. I have a 6 foot long floating cabinet with TV mounted above it on a 9 foot long wall section, centered in the actual living area. This set up leaves me 10 inches to one door opening into a bedroom, and 15 inches of clearance under the floating cabinet.

My idea is to use 2 floor standers next to the cabinet and park 2 subs under the cabinet with the components between the subs. Measured that and it should work. My questions revolve around speakers and components. I do not have a local shop near me to demo anything sadly, so all purchases will be from online sources. Aesthetics is a thing for me as well. I plan to listen to music and use this as audio for my TV about 50/50. My music taste is eclectic, classical to 90's hip hop to 50's and 60's country western. I plan to stream all music, no need for cd player or anything besides streamer, amp, dac, preamp. My budget is +/- 10,000 USD.

----Speakers----
What I have thought about is a pair of Kef R5 metas as fronts and a pair of SVS sb-1000 pros for subs. The size of those will fit well in my available space. I am very open to other narrow sized towers or any subs that are under 15" in height.

----Components----
This is where I am totally lost. I want something with HDMI arc for ease of TV usage and not having 20 remotes and doing a bunch of fiddling. I have looked into several things and every one seems to have differing pluses and minuses. These are some of my ideas.

Eversolo DMP-8 (has HDMI arc, takes care of dac and preamp, would need to find a good power amp)
Yamaha R-N2000A or 1000A (all in one should be easy to set up, has some room correction)
Eversolo DMP-6 (need to find a pre amp and amp that pairs well, but the small size would allow placement in the floating cabinet)

I am lost on amps...I have toyed with parasound A21+, NAD offerings, Apollon (the small size is a bonus) Even toyed with the idea of AGD audions, (but that shoots the budget totally)

I am open to ideas, this is not my field of expertise and welcome any thoughts.

Thank you

 

[kemmler3D]

I suggest the KEF LS60 for this setup if you like the looks. They're very capable, have HDMI ARC input, streaming capability on their own, and the sound is fantastic. Because of the coaxial setup the sound is harmed less by unusual room configurations. I've got a similar situation in my house.

I happened to get a deal where two KEF KC62 subs were thrown in for free, so I tucked them away in the back of the room, but it's not worth spending the dough on those and just putting them in front, their only real advantage is small size.

I wouldn't suggest putting the subs in between the towers unless you really need massive SPL for bass. One of the big reasons to have multiple subs is to fill in nulls from room modes. However, that only works if the subs are physically far apart.

If you want to supplement the bass capability of the LS60s the SB-1000 Pro should be fine but adding a second one right in front won't help that much unless you really need those extra few dB.

Oh and welcome to ASR!

 

[Mart68]

Your speaker/sub choice is good. Power amp I would go for the Apollon. It's what I would get if I needed a new power amp. DAC - RME? Can use as a pre-amp and has PEQ.

Streaming things I can't help with.

 

[BMCL]

Thank you for the input.

I did look into the LS 60's I like the functionality and they would probably sound great and be very neat and tidy in my space but...not sure I like the aesthetic.

Good info on the sub, I had intended putting them in between the towers. I had also looked at not the kc62 but the kc92 for a single sub solution, firing outwards I guess toward the towers in my placement. I also saw that with at least the 92 it has a seperately purchased blue tooth thing so I could place it in the rear of the room, which could solve placement issues.

Mart, what is your reasoning behind the Apollon, I personally am looking into it based on the looks and size. have you heard one by chance?

 

[JustJones]

The Eversolos doesn't have subwoofer out , just a FYI. Maybe Minidsp Flex HT

 

[JustJones]

Integrated maybe NAD C399 or M33 it's more expensive but has more features.

 

[Mart68]

Mart, what is your reasoning behind the Apollon, I personally am looking into it based on the looks and size. have you heard one by chance?

It measures impeccably, lots of power, light, small, reasonable price:

Apollon NCx500ST Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Apollon NCx500ST stereo class D amplifier based on Hypex NCOREx NCx500 modules. It was kindly drop shipped from the member and costs 1,090.00€ (US $1,168) with standard opamp. While the case is stamped aluminum, it is a heavily customized one...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Not heard one but you can see from the tests it would not have any sound of its own.

Also they offer colour options, there's a gold colour which I quite like.

 

[kemmler3D]

Thank you for the input.

I did look into the LS 60's I like the functionality and they would probably sound great and be very neat and tidy in my space but...not sure I like the aesthetic.

Good info on the sub, I had intended putting them in between the towers. I had also looked at not the kc62 but the kc92 for a single sub solution, firing outwards I guess toward the towers in my placement. I also saw that with at least the 92 it has a seperately purchased blue tooth thing so I could place it in the rear of the room, which could solve placement issues.

Mart, what is your reasoning behind the Apollon, I personally am looking into it based on the looks and size. have you heard one by chance?

Fair enough, they are really a love-it-or-hate-it design. It turns out my design committee (wife) approved of the aesthetic and I like it too, so it was far and away the best speaker I was going to get into the living room.

I can say they don't look as weird in person, but they look how they look.

I use the wireless adapters with the KC62s and they work pretty well - would be a good option to move them around the room. I think SVS has something similar. They are vulnerable to interference from WiFi I think, so don't put the router right next to the sub like I did.

 

[BMCL]

Thanks everyone.

The Eversolos doesn't have subwoofer out , just a FYI. Maybe Minidsp Flex HT

I saw that, my thoughts were if I went that route to go rca from the eversolo to one sub then to the amp using the subs high pass filter to separate the bass from the towers...Think that would work?

Integrated maybe NAD C399 or M33 it's more expensive but has more features.

I have looked a lot at the M33, I have not checked the C399, will have a look.

It measures impeccably, lots of power, light, small, reasonable price:

Apollon NCx500ST Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Apollon NCx500ST stereo class D amplifier based on Hypex NCOREx NCx500 modules. It was kindly drop shipped from the member and costs 1,090.00€ (US $1,168) with standard opamp. While the case is stamped aluminum, it is a heavily customized one...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Not heard one but you can see from the tests it would not have any sound of its own.

Also they offer colour options, there's a gold colour which I quite like.

I had the same thoughts on size and color, it is on the short list for sure. The Apollon website is confusing as hell though, way too many choices and i don't really know what I am looking at.

Fair enough, they are really a love-it-or-hate-it design. It turns out my design committee (wife) approved of the aesthetic and I like it too, so it was far and away the best speaker I was going to get into the living room.

I can say they don't look as weird in person, but they look how they look.

I use the wireless adapters with the KC62s and they work pretty well - would be a good option to move them around the room. I think SVS has something similar. They are vulnerable to interference from WiFi I think, so don't put the router right next to the sub like I did.

Hah, no worries on the router, but sounds like something I would do then chase for a couple weeks. I like everything about the LS60 aside from the looks. I think maybe too modern for my styling. But if they threw in two free subs with them I could overlook a fair amount

 

[JustJones]

saw that, my thoughts were if I went that route to go rca from the eversolo to one sub then to the amp using the subs high pass filter to separate the bass from the towers...Think that would work?

I don't have a SVS subwoofer so I might be wrong but from looking at the manual of the 1000 Pro it doesn't appear to have high pass filtering only low pass so the low frequencies wouldn't be cut from the Kef 5 which might not be a problem.

 

[Mart68]

I had the same thoughts on size and color, it is on the short list for sure. The Apollon website is confusing as hell though, way too many choices and i don't really know what I am looking at.

This one:

Hypex NCx500 ST NCOREx Stereo Amplifier

The Apollon Audio NCx500 Stereo Amplifier utilises the newest Hypex NCx500 amplifier module as its core. This exceptional technology provides abundant power and remarkable precision, making it an ideal choice for discerning audiophiles and professional studioapplications.

apollonaudio.com

 

[BMCL]

I suggest the KEF LS60 for this setup if you like the looks. They're very capable, have HDMI ARC input, streaming capability on their own, and the sound is fantastic. Because of the coaxial setup the sound is harmed less by unusual room configurations. I've got a similar situation in my house.

I happened to get a deal where two KEF KC62 subs were thrown in for free, so I tucked them away in the back of the room, but it's not worth spending the dough on those and just putting them in front, their only real advantage is small size.

I have been looking more and more at these and while they are not my favorite looking speaker, the functionality can't be denied and I would be far under budget. Was the deal you got local or was there a special running at one point that I missed?

 

[kemmler3D]

I have been looking more and more at these and while they are not my favorite looking speaker, the functionality can't be denied and I would be far under budget. Was the deal you got local or was there a special running at one point that I missed?

I managed to get a lucky deal on US Audio Mart on a dealer's floor model. It showed up missing the remote and feet, but did come with the two subs. It was a one-off and I don't think I would expect to see something that good again, but it doesn't hurt to look.

 

[BMCL]

I managed to get a lucky deal on US Audio Mart on a dealer's floor model. It showed up missing the remote and feet, but did come with the two subs. It was a one-off and I don't think I would expect to see something that good again, but it doesn't hurt to look.

Good to know, I will check around and see. Do you have any complaints/ or had an issues with them? And do they play loud?

 

[kemmler3D]

Good to know, I will check around and see. Do you have any complaints/ or had an issues with them? And do they play loud?

No issues except the weird interference with the wireless sub adapters, which is actually a complaint about the adapters, not the LS60s. They play decently loud, although I don't usually listen loud since I don't want to bug my neighbors. (Houses in SF don't quite share walls but it's effectively townhouses on my block.) I haven't turned them up more than about 60% of the way honestly. If you want sheer SPL output there are better options, but I haven't hit the limits. They do sound bigger than they look.

 

[BMCL]

Well here is what I am down to...

*Kef LS60's then either 2 svs sb-1000's or a Kef KC92. (Simple, fits space requirement has the hook ups I need) Price at retail +/- $6500
---If I go this route can I get the eversolo DMP-6 and pair it to the Kef speakers in some way so I have a display screen, rather than operating through a Iphone for everything?

*Kef R5 Meta's, 2 svs sb-1000's, Yamaha r-n1000a or 2000a (integrated, pretty simple set up, has the hook ups I want, fits space requirement, has plus side of passive speakers I can bring along in case I hate the LS60's) Price at retail with 1000A = +/- $7000
---Concerned that the Yamaha is a little underpowered...and not really a "hifi" system more midfi or consumer I guess.

*Arendal 1723 S THX and the above (slightly larger speakers, will still fit) Saves $1000
---Not sure how they compare to the Kef?

*Kef R5 metas, svs subs, NAD M33 (Fits, has all inputs and outputs needed, little more high end) Price= +/- $9,000
---Nad M33 has plenty of power, Bit concerned that it has streamer included as that is the piece that will be most likely to be replaced as tech progresses, its already 4 year old tech

*Separates route...
-Speakers-
Kef r5 metas (I like the looks perfect on size) $3999
Arendal 1723 THX S (save a bit on speakers, size will fit, I've not heard much on quality) $3099
Focal aria evo X No 3 (I like the looks, kind of forever speakers for me, Blow through budget, maybe don't need subs?) $5200

-Subs-
SVS SB 1000 pro x2 (fit size, like the gloss black, good customer service) $1350
Kef KC92 (Higher price than 2 above, fits, can place where ever with the module) $1999

-Streamer-
Eversolo DMP-6 (I like the interface, rave reviews, requires a preamp for what I want to do) $859
Eversolo DMP-8 (Same interface, same reviews, wont need preamp, No sub outs ) $1999
Something I have not seen ???
Integrated with amp

-Preamp-
No Clue, have not seen anything cost effective

-Amp-
Yamaha R-N1000A (probably suit my needs on inputs and outputs, good value, single solution, power concerns) $1400 on sale
Yamaha R-N2000A (Same as above, little better built, I like the VU meters, power concerns) $3400 on sale
NAD M33 (Cool looking, lots of power, single solution, worry about having to replace an expensive unit for better streaming, aging tech) $3600
Anthem STR (Good warranty, good power, pricey, also aging tech, hard to find reviews) $4999
---Bonus to all above that they have some for of room correction---
Parasound A21+ (buy once cry once, keep forever tank amp, no room correction, requires other components) $3600
Apollon NCX500 ST (good price point, small unit) $1100

There are pluses and minus's to all of this, Not thinking about budget I would probably go with the Parasound A21+ and the eversolo DMP 8, the Kef R5 Metas (to save a bit over the Focal's) and the SVS subs. This nets me a forever amp and speakers.

Too much stuff

 

[kemmler3D]

---If I go this route can I get the eversolo DMP-6 and pair it to the Kef speakers in some way so I have a display screen, rather that operating through a Iphone for everything?

Yes, the LS60 has an optical input so you can just use that with the eversolo.

I personally think the KEF speakers are not great on bang-for-buck even though I own some. Good performance but really expensive.

If you go the separates route, you might want to consider some of the Hypex or Purifi amps out there... (Apollon) - lots of clean power for the dollar. There are reviews on here, check them out. You would then have budget left over for a MiniDSP or similar for room correction.

 

[BMCL]

Yes, the LS60 has an optical input so you can just use that with the eversolo.

I personally think the KEF speakers are not great on bang-for-buck even though I own some. Good performance but really expensive.

If you go the separates route, you might want to consider some of the Hypex or Purifi amps out there... (Apollon) - lots of clean power for the dollar. There are reviews on here, check them out. You would then have budget left over for a MiniDSP or similar for room correction.

Good points all around, my hesitation with the LS60's is a little with looks and a lot with the price point and the fact you are boxed in at that price point because they are active.

With the Apollon NCX 500 ST, which OP amp selection is the correct one. I understand the power 90-135, and I assume I want binding posts rather than Speakon, but which OP amp?

 

[NTK]

... but which OP amp?

Easy answer. OPA1656.

 

[BMCL]

Another question just to see what other options are...here's 10 grand build, a system for 50/50 music and tv that must have a streamer in it, no room requirements.

What I am doing is temporary anyways. I have sold my home and moved into what was once an apartment I own with plans to move again within 12 months. In the future location space will not be a factor. So I might as well work around things here temporarily and get something based on the future rather than kick myself in the ass in 12 months when I move and say...damn this stuff I bought was designed for a space I longer have.