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

I have an "idiot" question, but, ask doesn't offends anyone. I know the AVR 3808ci output it's 8 ohms for all 5 channels. If I plug a 4 ohms speakers only in 2 channels, is it going to f* up?In
In my post about bench test amp specs on the 3808 previously I included the 4 ohm testing as well as 8 ohm. I wouldn't particularly worry about it.
 
While I haven't bought the KEF R3 Meta yet, I'm playing around with the AVR-3808ci and trying to get the most out of the 602 S1s. Do you recommend using Direct Mode or Stereo Mode? I felt that in Direct the quality is "better," more balanced. I know that in Direct any kind of digital processing is disabled (Audyssey, EQ, etc.).
 
While I haven't bought the KEF R3 Meta yet, I'm playing around with the AVR-3808ci and trying to get the most out of the 602 S1s. Do you recommend using Direct Mode or Stereo Mode? I felt that in Direct the quality is "better," more balanced. I know that in Direct any kind of digital processing is disabled (Audyssey, EQ, etc.).
"Direct" is just a marketing term. Use the mode that gives you Audyssey room correction. That will give the best sound
 
While I haven't bought the KEF R3 Meta yet, I'm playing around with the AVR-3808ci and trying to get the most out of the 602 S1s. Do you recommend using Direct Mode or Stereo Mode? I felt that in Direct the quality is "better," more balanced. I know that in Direct any kind of digital processing is disabled (Audyssey, EQ, etc.).
I usually just use Stereo mode with 2ch content to enable content for the sub, altho IIRC your Denon has a setting to use the sub even in "direct" mode (yep, pulled up my pdf manual, see page 31). What bass management settings do you use overall?
 
I usually just use Stereo mode with 2ch content to enable content for the sub, altho IIRC your Denon has a setting to use the sub even in "direct" mode (yep, pulled up my pdf manual, see page 31). What bass management settings do you use overall?
I know that Denon has a setting to use the sub in "direct". I use the crossover in 60Hz and LFE.
 
I know that Denon has a setting to use the sub in "direct". I use the crossover in 60Hz and LFE.
The biggest difference is that Audyssey is enabled in Stereo mode, but not in "direct" modes. Ever try a higher crossover?

ps I suppose in the direct modes if you don't adjust delay that would be the biggest difference between direct/stereo modes.
 
The biggest difference is that Audyssey is enabled in Stereo mode, but not in "direct" modes. Ever try a higher crossover?

ps I suppose in the direct modes if you don't adjust delay that would be the biggest difference between direct/stereo modes.
I've tried to set the crossover in 80Hz, it was good too. But, if the 602s can low to 52Hz, why noy set 60Hz?

To be honest, I don't know how to adjust the delay, so, I don't even try to not mess up everything.
 
I've tried to set the crossover in 80Hz, it was good too. But, if the 602s can low to 52Hz, why noy set 60Hz?

To be honest, I don't know how to adjust the delay, so, I don't even try to not mess up everything.
Is the 52hz a -3dB or -6dB measurement? I usually prefer a higher crossover (usually 100-120) as the sub is generally more capable in that range anyways but I use multiple subs and localization isn't an issue for me. Measurements would give you best idea of what's actually going on with your gear/room for best crossover, tho. Distance is another name for delay, pretty sure that's an option in your direct setup with sub.
 
Is the 52hz a -3dB or -6dB measurement? I usually prefer a higher crossover (usually 100-120) as the sub is generally more capable in that range anyways but I use multiple subs and localization isn't an issue for me. Measurements would give you best idea of what's actually going on with your gear/room for best crossover, tho. Distance is another name for delay, pretty sure that's an option in your direct setup with sub.
It's -3dB. I never liked to set the crossover so high.

I've measured and put the exactly distance in the setup.
 
Hello guys,

This last week I've being reading a lot of forums about which amplifier I should choose, but, the chosen one will be defined after I choose which speaker between: B&W 606 S3 or Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G and I'm open for suggestion (Kef LS50 Meta is one of them, but the LAST option).

I know that the 606's has more detail, crystal and clean sound than the Silver 100 7G, HOWEVER, Silver 100 7G has much more punch bass and get lower (35Hz) and also has a nice detail and clean sound (lower than 606's).

My actual set is B&W 602 S1 + Fosi Audio ZA3 + Denon AVR-3808CI + Subwoofer M&K MX-150 (90's), I know isn't much, BUT, I was very happy with this set for a long years, however, it's time to have an upgrade.

The set it's placed in my bedroom, aprox. 15m².

So, I have some scenarios:

1- Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G + Cambridge CXA81 or EXA100
2- B&W 606 S3 + Arcam Radia A25
3- KEF LS50 Meta + Arcam Radia A25 or Cambridge EXA100 (last option) - The edit was the order.

Again, I'm open for suggestion for another amp that I didn't list above.

Thank you,

Best regards.
Out of those options is personally get the EXA100.
 
Good night, my friends.

I've an excellent news. I bought the KEF R3 Meta and picked up today. I'm absolutely blown away. These speakers are sensational, the level of detail, the huge soundstage, and the powerful bass that reaches impressively low frequencies. I want to thank everyone who helped and advised me. :D

Now about the setttings:

Mode: Stereo (with Audyssey)
Speakers: Large
Crossover: 60Hz
Subwoofer: LFE + Main
Crossover Sub: 60Hz

Anything I've to change? FOR ME, sounds excellent.

Below the photo of them:

WhatsApp Image 2026-07-04 at 21.22.05.jpeg
 
Good night, my friends.

I've an excellent news. I bought the KEF R3 Meta and picked up today. I'm absolutely blown away. These speakers are sensational, the level of detail, the huge soundstage, and the powerful bass that reaches impressively low frequencies. I want to thank everyone who helped and advised me. :D

Now about the setttings:

Mode: Stereo (with Audyssey)
Speakers: Large
Crossover: 60Hz
Subwoofer: LFE + Main
Crossover Sub: 60Hz

Anything I've to change? FOR ME, sounds excellent.

Below the photo of them:

View attachment 542991
Congrats, good to hear! Personally prefer using bass management (i.e. setting speakers to small) but that's often just a matter of preference.
 
Congrats, good to hear! Personally prefer using bass management (i.e. setting speakers to small) but that's often just a matter of preference.
When I put to small the sound was too thin for me. After I changed to Large, it sounds way better, more robust, you know?!
 
When I put to small the sound was too thin for me. After I changed to Large, it sounds way better, more robust, you know?!
Like I said, most likely just your preference. You are doubling up on the lower frequency range. Alternatively you can adjust eq to perhaps fine tune it. Do you use the Audyssey Editor App? I think your model can accommodate that. Are you using the Dynamic EQ feature when you say it is "thin"? Hopefully you turn DynamicVolume off, tho.
 
Like I said, most likely just your preference. You are doubling up on the lower frequency range. Alternatively you can adjust eq to perhaps fine tune it. Do you use the Audyssey Editor App? I think your model can accommodate that. Are you using the Dynamic EQ feature when you say it is "thin"? Hopefully you turn DynamicVolume off, tho.
I don’t even know that exists Audyssey Editor App.

The Dynamic EQ is off, so, as well DynamicVolume.
 
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