Hi everyone,
I'm in the process of upgrading my audio setup and would appreciate your insights and recommendations.
Current Setup:
- Speakers: KEF R11s
- Subwoofer: KEF KF92
- Power Amplifier: Apollon Hypex NCx500 ST Lux
Primary Use-Case:
- TV connection for general viewing
- High-resolution audio streaming from Tidal for music
Current Connection Method:
- Laptop connected to an integrated amp (looking to improve this)
Planned Enhancements:
- Transition to control music via iPad/iPhone
- Considering a Mac Mini for better integration, possibly running Dirac for room correction
Preamp Requirements:
- Budget: Up to $6,000 (preferably around $4,000)
- Must-Haves: XLR outputs, subwoofer support
- Nice-to-Haves: XLR inputs, HDMI/ARC, MQA support, Room Correction (ideally Dirac or similar)
Contenders:
- Anthem STR Preamp
- Michi P5 Series 2
- Rotel RC-1590 MKII
- McIntosh C8 with DA-2 Module
- McIntosh C49
- NAD M66 (only unit that checks every box)
- (Note: MiniDSP SHD was considered but isn’t an option due to store credit constraints)
Given these details, are there other preamps or configurations I should consider? I'm particularly interested in options that integrate well with my existing components and desired enhancements. I am leaning toward the NAD M66 being the best option.
Thank you for your help!
I'm in the process of upgrading my audio setup and would appreciate your insights and recommendations.
Current Setup:
- Speakers: KEF R11s
- Subwoofer: KEF KF92
- Power Amplifier: Apollon Hypex NCx500 ST Lux
Primary Use-Case:
- TV connection for general viewing
- High-resolution audio streaming from Tidal for music
Current Connection Method:
- Laptop connected to an integrated amp (looking to improve this)
Planned Enhancements:
- Transition to control music via iPad/iPhone
- Considering a Mac Mini for better integration, possibly running Dirac for room correction
Preamp Requirements:
- Budget: Up to $6,000 (preferably around $4,000)
- Must-Haves: XLR outputs, subwoofer support
- Nice-to-Haves: XLR inputs, HDMI/ARC, MQA support, Room Correction (ideally Dirac or similar)
Contenders:
- Anthem STR Preamp
- Michi P5 Series 2
- Rotel RC-1590 MKII
- McIntosh C8 with DA-2 Module
- McIntosh C49
- NAD M66 (only unit that checks every box)
- (Note: MiniDSP SHD was considered but isn’t an option due to store credit constraints)
Given these details, are there other preamps or configurations I should consider? I'm particularly interested in options that integrate well with my existing components and desired enhancements. I am leaning toward the NAD M66 being the best option.
Thank you for your help!
