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

[Chrispy]

That’s good to hear! To be honest I didn’t know that this receiver was powerful enough, however, we get back in the sound stage and refined sound, probably integrated amps have a better performance or am I wrong?

I have no idea how you define "refined" sound but seems that would come mostly from the recording as well as your speakers/room/setup. Soundstage is what is created in a recording and your speakers/room/setup. Electronics don't have much to do with those things. Keep in mind an avr is simply a multich integrated amp with some sort of tuner/internet built in. I would concentrate on the speakers.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

I have no idea how you define "refined" sound but seems that would come mostly from the recording as well as your speakers/room/setup. Soundstage is what is created in a recording and your speakers/room/setup. Electronics don't have much to do with those things. Keep in mind an avr is simply a multich integrated amp with some sort of tuner/internet built in. I would concentrate on the speakers.

Thank you for the insight!

 

[Chrispy]

I'm pretty sure they won't sound the same in my bedroom (could be a good or bad thing). I don't think they you have a Hypex or Purifi in the showroom, probably will be a class-AB amplifier.

I'll check again some class-D amps.

Today I use Tidal as a streamer (via Chromecast), unfortunatelly the Chormecast limit to 16bit/48KHz, that's the reason I've consider choose an amplifier integrated.

My uncle borrow me the Eversolo A6 and I was very impressed, the sound changed from water to wine. Wide sound stage and much more refined.

Today, in my opinion, the weaker link of my set its the speakers (too old, lack of refine).

Yes, your specific room will make a difference. I use a variety of amp classes, I wouldn't particularly worry about the class. Higher resolution over the audio chromecast is not likely to make a difference (I use audio chromecasts, too), definitely not a reason to get an integrated amp (and many integrated amps traditionally have not even had a dac for that matter). You should read dac reviews and threads here before you buy a separate one....I'd say the one in your Denon is fine (you use digital input to the Denon?).

 

[Cote Dazur]

a bit more "punch" in the bass (especially at low volumes or in ambient sounds)

I was thinking about what you wrote, more punch particularly at low volumes, one thing you might want to try is putting the Subwoofer M&K MX-150 right behind your seat, it is a good way to get decent bass when low(er) volume is required.
It cost nothing to try.

 

[Chrispy]

I was thinking about what you wrote, more punch particularly at low volumes, one thing you might want to try is putting the Subwoofer M&K MX-150 right behind your seat, it is a good way to get decent bass when low(er) volume is required.
It cost nothing to try.

He currently has the option of using Audyssey's Dynamic EQ option for lower volume listening....

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Yes, your specific room will make a difference. I use a variety of amp classes, I wouldn't particularly worry about the class. Higher resolution over the audio chromecast is not likely to make a difference (I use audio chromecasts, too), definitely not a reason to get an integrated amp (and many integrated amps traditionally have not even had a dac for that matter). You should read dac reviews and threads here before you buy a separate one....I'd say the one in your Denon is fine (you use digital input to the Denon?).

I do not use the digital input!

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

I was thinking about what you wrote, more punch particularly at low volumes, one thing you might want to try is putting the Subwoofer M&K MX-150 right behind your seat, it is a good way to get decent bass when low(er) volume is required.
It cost nothing to try.

It’s impossible to put the sub behind, because, the room is a bedroom. The listening spot it’s the middle of my bed and the bed is leaning against the wall.

 

[Cote Dazur]

He currently has the option of using Audyssey's Dynamic EQ option for lower volume listening....

Placing the sub closer to where one sit allows to have a perception of more bass without low frequency interfering as much with the surrounding.
Very different to what dynamic eq does.
He wants to feel more “punch” even at lower volume.

 

[Cote Dazur]

It’s impossible to put the sub behind, because, the room is a bedroom. The listening spot it’s the middle of my bed and the bed is leaning against the wall.

Yes, in that case it would not work.
How much space do you have under the bed?

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Yes, in that case it would not work.
How much space do you have under the bed?

None! It's a King Size + Box

 

[Cote Dazur]

None! It's a King Size + Box

I was more facetious than anything but one device you might want to look at are bass transducers to attach to the bed frame, they can be very surprising and fit low volume restrictions.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

I was more facetious than anything but one device you might want to look at are bass transducers to attach to the bed frame, they can be very surprising and fit low volume restrictions.

 

[jmillar]

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.

The KEF R3 Meta are truly excellent. Don't look at isolated numbers, look at the frequency response curve (you'll find them in Amir's tests). Use your existing amp and start with the speaker upgrade.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

The KEF R3 Meta are truly excellent. Don't look at isolated numbers, look at the frequency response curve (you'll find them in Amir's tests). Use your existing amp and start with the speaker upgrade.

I saw Amir's review! Frequency response curve is excellent.

 

[Chrispy]

I do not use the digital input!

Why not?

 

[Chrispy]

Placing the sub closer to where one sit allows to have a perception of more bass without low frequency interfering as much with the surrounding.
Very different to what dynamic eq does.
He wants to feel more “punch” even at lower volume.

Not sure what you're describing with the interference with surrounding thing. Dynamic eq increases lower frequency response due the way we hear. Nearfield alone may not do that, especially if you don't have bass management to begin with.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Why not?

To be honest I really don't know how to use or don't know if I'm already using (probably not).

 

[Chrispy]

To be honest I really don't know how to use or don't know if I'm already using (probably not).

Is the output from the audio chromecast the analog via rca to an analog input on the avr, or an optical cable into one of your avr's optical inputs?

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Is the output from the audio chromecast the analog via rca to an analog input on the avr, or an optical cable into one of your avr's optical inputs?

The Chromecast it's connect by HDMI

 

[Chrispy]

The Chromecast it's connect by HDMI

Ah, so not an Audio Chromecast as you mentioned earlier. Still, you're connected digitally without option with a regular Chromecast type unit. My Audio Chromecasts have an option of an analog or digital connection. I can't think of any streaming services I use with my Chromecasts (Amazon Fire Sticks) that are limited except by the streamer for higher resolution, tho.