Stereo Set, which amp should I choose? Cambridge CXA81, Arcam A25+ or Cambridge EXA1000

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Not really as I was out of it by then. The few smaller metal cone models I heard didn't appeal, as they all seemed to have an 'ccchhh' (as in Scottish 'loch') kind of sound to them, but there have been several generations since then and a lot can change in fairness.

One thing is certain: the 100's are superior in quality, detail, and refinement compared to my 602's.

 

[mglobe]

That's the most "difficulty" thing to do.

Speakers taste are subjective, very much personal. For me speakers "X" could sound amazing, for you could sound not so bad or vice-versa.

I don't like very much of "hot" highs (B&W signature), probably, I've get used to it, since I've being listening B&W for 30 years. Also, I've felt a lack of "punch" bass. That's my experience with 602 S1.

However, the 606 S3 is widely known for being analytical, open, and full of energy, with a strong emphasis on high-resolution treble and clarity of detail. It's famous for focusing on a lively, revealing, and dynamic sound. I've never heard them before, tomorrow will be the first time.

I do like strong bass and not too brightness in highs, therefore, without sacrificing detail and refinement. That's why I´ve suggested the Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G. Also I've never heard them before.

About the KEF LS50, I see they placed in the middle of both (606 S3 and Silver 100), the most balanced speakers. Or I am wrong?

Speaker tastes are not as subjective as you might think. When blind listening experiments are done, people tend to gravitate towards a pretty specific set of characteristics. When the same listening tests are done with the speakers visible, people will gravitate towards preferred brands and/or fancy looking speakers.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Speaker tastes are not as subjective as you might think. When blind listening experiments are done, people tend to gravitate towards a pretty specific set of characteristics. When the same listening tests are done with the speakers visible, people will gravitate towards preferred brands and/or fancy looking speakers.

I partially agree with you! People indeed tend to choose brands or fancy looking speakers, however, i.e. we could both like Dynaudio's, but for you speaker "X" sounds better than speaker "Y" and for the opposite. So, in this case, speaker tastes are subjective.

 

[Cote Dazur]

I know the B&W’s reputation , however, I can tame the high frequency with the right amp, probably like Arcam A25+.

Just from this comment you have so much to learn, or unlearn, depending on point of view.
Fortunately, you found the place to learn, take your time, you will end up saving a lot of money and get better sound,
At this point you are concentrating on irrelevant criteria and neglecting what will afflict the most your listening experience, asking all the wrong questions.
Start by reading all the treads from Amir, they are well written and will put you in the right path.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Just from this comment you have so much to learn, or unlearn, depending on point of view.
Fortunately, you found the place to learn, take your time, you will end up saving a lot of money and get better sound,
At this point you are concentrating on irrelevant criteria and neglecting what will afflict the most your listening experience, asking all the wrong questions.
Start by reading all the treads from Amir, they are well written and will put you in the right path.

I've so much to learn and unlearn, INDEED!

I'm not saying that what've said it's the absolute truth! Everything I said was based what've read (forums, internet, reviews).

That's why I came here, to learn, to get opinion, share experience.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

So, let’s start over.

My actual set is 602 S1 + Denon AVR 3808ci + Sub M&K MX-150 THX.

What should I do first? Buy new speakers? Amp? DAC? Neither of those?

 

[Redacted]

So, let’s start over.

My actual set is 602 S1 + Denon AVR 3808ci + Sub M&K MX-150 THX.

What should I do first? Buy new speakers? Amp? DAC? Neither of those?

Not sure, but if you get the idea that there are some pretty neutral amps out there I'd say the main thing is speakers (but the room counts!).
Alternatively, I can see you may get patronized to death before you make your choice. (and if I have done that myself, I apologize - I'm "on the spectrum" and I do not "write pretty").

 

[Cote Dazur]

So, let’s start over.

My actual set is 602 S1 + Denon AVR 3808ci + Sub M&K MX-150 THX.

What should I do first? Buy new speakers? Amp? DAC? Neither of those?

Better

Depends on what you are trying to achieve in relation to what you already have cannot give you.
I see nothing wrong with what you already have if set up properly on a decent listening room it can sound great and make listening to music very entertaining.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Not sure, but if you get the idea that there are some pretty neutral amps out there I'd say the main thing is speakers (but the room counts!).
Alternatively, I can see you may get patronized to death before you make your choice. (and if I have done that myself, I apologize - I'm "on the spectrum" and I do not "write pretty").

It's okay! No need to apologize!

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Better

Depends on what you are trying to achieve in relation to what you already have cannot give you.
I see nothing wrong with what you already have if set up properly on a decent listening room it can sound great and make listening to music very entertaining.

I feel it lacks refinement, detail and a bit more "punch" in the bass (especially at low volumes or in ambient sounds).

 

[mglobe]

So, let’s start over.

My actual set is 602 S1 + Denon AVR 3808ci + Sub M&K MX-150 THX.

What should I do first? Buy new speakers? Amp? DAC? Neither of those?

I would say speakers, and assuming this is an interest that you will continue to have and pursue, I would advise spending your entire budget (or very close to that) on speakers. Down the road when you've saved up enough to spend more, then you could explore upgrading your electronics. Given your comments about streaming, I would also suggest that you purchase a Wiim of some sort to serve as your streamer.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

I would say speakers, and assuming this is an interest that you will continue to have and pursue, I would advise spending your entire budget (or very close to that) on speakers. Down the road when you've saved up enough to spend more, then you could explore upgrading your electronics. Given your comments about streaming, I would also suggest that you purchase a Wiim of some sort to serve as your streamer.

Thank you!

I'm familiar with the Eversolo A6, impressed me a lot! Which Wiim are you refering to? Pro? Ultra?

 

[101geo]

I would say speakers, and assuming this is an interest that you will continue to have and pursue, I would advise spending your entire budget (or very close to that) on speakers. Down the road when you've saved up enough to spend more, then you could explore upgrading your electronics. Given your comments about streaming, I would also suggest that you purchase a Wiim of some sort to serve as your streamer.

This is the way to go. Spend as much as you can (Or a bit more!) on speakers that measure well. Then the room and finally electronics. On the way get yourself a Umik-1 and have a play with REW. Take measurements and ask questions here and you will pick it up quicker than you think.

 

[Gorgonzola]

My 2 cents worth ...

Speakers: KEF Q Concerto Meta -- or upgrade to KEF R3 Meta
Streamer/preamp: Eversolo DMP-A6 Gen 2
Power amplifier: Audiophonics AP300-S250NCX NCx252MP (250 wpc @ 4 ohms)

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

My 2 cents worth ...

Speakers: KEF Q Concerto Meta -- or upgrade to KEF R3 Meta
Streamer/preamp: Eversolo DMP-A6 Gen 2
Power amplifier: Audiophonics AP300-S250NCX NCx252MP (250 wpc @ 4 ohms)

About the KEF R3 Meta, I saw the specs and the response frequency brought me attention, get low only 58Hz (that's FOR ME it's a "red flag").

EDIT:

I'll search for a KEF dealership in my city to have the opportunity to hear them.

 

[Cote Dazur]

I feel it lacks refinement, detail and a bit more "punch" in the bass (especially at low volumes or in ambient sounds).

My first recommendation, start by reading all the treads from Amir, they are well written and will put you in the right path, still stands, before doing anything.
Any short cut you think will get you there, will take you further away.
You just found the right spot to learn: Good learning!

 

[Gorgonzola]

My 2 cents worth ...

Speakers: KEF Q Concerto Meta -- or upgrade to KEF R3 Meta
Streamer/preamp: Eversolo DMP-A6 Gen 2
Power amplifier: Audiophonics AP300-S250NCX NCx252MP (250 wpc @ 4 ohms)

About the KEF R3 Meta, I saw the specs and the response frequency brought me attention, get low only 58Hz (that's FOR ME it's a "red flag").


EDIT:

I'll search for a KEF dealership in my city to have the opportunity to hear them.

Personally I wouldn't get too hung up on that. Technically -3db might be at 58 Hz but steep roll-off doesn't happen 'till below 50 Hz. For that matter, few stand mounts will do much below 50 Hz.

Also, I would also want to create a FIR convolution file which would correct this an other speaker and room imperfections. I believe that the EverSolo A6 can employ externally created FIR filters; these filter files can be created using REW, Gsonic (very easy to use), or other programs, with a computer and a calibrated microphone.

 

[mglobe]

About the KEF R3 Meta, I saw the specs and the response frequency brought me attention, get low only 58Hz (that's FOR ME it's a "red flag").

EDIT:

I'll search for a KEF dealership in my city to have the opportunity to hear them.

KEF engineers a shelved base on many of their speakers so that they can be placed near the front wall without the bass getting boomy. I owned a pair of KEF R3 Non-Meta's for several years. Lack of bass was not an issue for me with them.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Personally I wouldn't get too hung up on that. Technically -3db might be at 58 Hz but steep roll-off doesn't happen 'till below 50 Hz. For that matter, few stand mounts will do much below 50 Hz.

Also, I would also want to create a FIR convolution file which would correct this an other speaker and room imperfections. I believe that the EverSolo A6 can employ externally created FIR filters; these filter files can be created using REW, Gsonic (very easy to use), or other programs, with a computer and a calibrated microphone.

Now you speak greek with me!

So sorry for my ignorance. What’s FIR? REW is a room correction software?

 

[Gorgonzola]

Now you speak greek with me!

So sorry for my ignorance. What’s FIR? REW is a room correction software?

Well I'm not exactly an expert either. The best I can do is ...