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

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Hey, guys.

Now, to continue this saga, it´s time to choose the amplifier.

My 1st option: Musical Fidelity M6si.

Any advices or recommendations?

 

[Svend P]

My 1st option: Musical Fidelity M6si.

Good choice. It will sound exactly like your Denon AVR 3808ci, so it will not be a downgrade. Also you get rid of a lot of moneys. Which I guess is the goal?

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Good choice. It will sound exactly like your Denon AVR 3808ci, so it will not be a downgrade. Also you get rid of a lot of moneys. Which I guess is the goal?

It's not my goal get rid off a lot of money hahahaha...I just want a proper amplifier to push my R3's.

But you said: "It will sound exactly like", so, it won't be worth spend on the M6si? Don't know if you are being ironic.

 

[mglobe]

It's not my goal get rid off a lot of money hahahaha...I just want a proper amplifier to push my R3's.

But you said: "It will sound exactly like", so, it won't be worth spend on the M6si? Don't know if you are being ironic.

He's both telling the truth, and being ironic. If you really want to buy a new integrated amplifier, buy one that has some form of room correction. RoomPerfect, Dirac ART, Trinnov,... I chose those three options because I'm assuming you don't want to go through the DIY RC process.

 

[Marc v E]

No irony.
It will just sound the same, probably worse because the new amp doesn't have eq or a crossover.

If you really want an upgrade the best you can do is measure the frequency response at your listening position, upload the results and ask for feedback.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

No irony.
It will just sound the same, possibly worse because the new amp doesn't have eq or a crossover.

To be honest I didn't think of that. DAMN!!!!

So, I have to think through all over.

 

[Marc v E]

As a guideline: amps when not overdriven sound the same. Because you use a subwoofer that likely won't happen unless you have a huge room.

 

[Marc v E]

@luisfelipe_lfo actually I think you have already achieved a lot and can be proud of what you have.

Really, the only things we can improve are building on what you already have.
That is, if you measure the frequency response at your listening position, we can see what is really going on and help you improve that.

What you need is a measurement at seating position and a few measurements around that. For example 0.5 meter to the left, 0.5 to the right, 0.5 behind you, 0.5m in front of you.

The result that makes a difference is usually speaker position, subwoofer position and things related to seating position or the room. Those are the final things that can be improved upon.
For bass to be even in response for many listening positions, more than 1 sub can really help in certain situations. Other then that it's just moving things around a bit until optimal and applying eq where it is needed.

Then you really have one of the best systems available and all other improvements are very small.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

@luisfelipe_lfo actually I think you have already achieved a lot and can be proud of what you have.

Really, the only things we can improve are building on what you already have.
That is, if you measure the frequency response at your listening position, we can see what is really going on and help you improve that.

What you need is a measurement at seating position and a few measurements around that. For example 0.5 meter to the left, 0.5 to the right, 0.5 behind you, 0.5m in front of you.

The result that makes a difference is usually speaker position, subwoofer position and things related to seating position or the room. Those are the final things that can be improved upon.
For bass to be even in response for many listening positions, more than 1 sub can really help in certain situations. Other then that it's just moving things around a bit until optimal and applying eq where it is needed.

Then you really have one of the best systems available and all other improvements are very small.

Thank you for the advice.

About the listening position, like I said in a previously threads, it's my bedroom, so, I can't measure 0.5m behind me, but, the other directions I can.

I'm looking for a WiiM Ultra to use as a DAC/Streamer only and then use the RoomFit and see the frequency response at my listening position.

 

[Chrispy]

I don’t even know that exists Audyssey Editor App.

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

The idea behind Dynamic EQ is to allow a more natural sound at lower volume, sort of what LFE+Main is doing by doubling up on lower frequencies. It is further adjustable by the RLO (reference level offset) control. Seems the Audyssey zendesk articles are gone now, but this article has some of the basics https://simplehomecinema.com/2024/09/02/unlocking-the-power-of-audysseys-dynamic-eq/

The MultEQ Editor App allows more adjustability, and think is well worth the $20 cost. However, forgot you have the 3808, which cannot accommodate it (that started with the X3000 and up models).

Why do you want that Music Fidelity amp? Doesn't even have bass management at all.

 

[Marc v E]

Thank you for the advice.

About the listening position, like I said in a previously threads, it's my bedroom, so, I can't measure 0.5m behind me, but, the other directions I can.

I'm looking for a WiiM Ultra to use as a DAC/Streamer only and then use the RoomFit and see the frequency response at my listening position.

Really?
You could do that with a minidsp umik microphone for about 100 euro/dollar and Rew installed for free on your laptop or pc.

 

[Ropeburn]

It's not my goal get rid off a lot of money hahahaha...I just want a proper amplifier to push my R3's.

But you said: "It will sound exactly like", so, it won't be worth spend on the M6si? Don't know if you are being ironic.

Haven't we already established your Denon can push 2x270W into 4 Ohm in stereo? That's hefty. You can probably destroy these speakers with it, and your ears too in that small a room. What more do you want?

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

The idea behind Dynamic EQ is to allow a more natural sound at lower volume, sort of what LFE+Main is doing by doubling up on lower frequencies. It is further adjustable by the RLO (reference level offset) control. Seems the Audyssey zendesk articles are gone now, but this article has some of the basics https://simplehomecinema.com/2024/09/02/unlocking-the-power-of-audysseys-dynamic-eq/

The MultEQ Editor App allows more adjustability, and think is well worth the $20 cost. However, forgot you have the 3808, which cannot accommodate it (that started with the X3000 and up models).

Why do you want that Music Fidelity amp? Doesn't even have bass management at all.

I want the M6si due to amp power, ~380-400W in 4 ohms and the bass management I'd control by the DAC.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Haven't we already established your Denon can push 2x270W into 4 Ohm in stereo? That's hefty. You can probably destroy these speakers with it, and your ears too in that small a room. What more do you want?

I know this has been discussed, even though the Denon can push the R3s with ease, wouldn't the M6si offer a much better damping factor, among other advantages?

 

[Chrispy]

I want the M6si due to amp power, ~380-400W in 4 ohms and the bass management I'd control by the DAC.

Why on earth do you need that much power to listen with? The actual advantage over the 3808 is not as great as you think.

ps damping factor is not much of a real thing, just what sort of audio information are you absorbing?

 

[Chrispy]

As far as extreme power/high performance speakers go, your hearing is at issue. I think you have a basic misunderstanding of how a max power recommendation for a speaker works in the real world to start....

 

[Svend P]

I know this has been discussed, even though the Denon can push the R3s with ease, wouldn't the M6si offer a much better damping factor, among other advantages?

You are a true audiophile. You are obsessing over every insignificant detail. Maybe put new acquisitions on hold for a year, stick around and read up on how science can help you. Once you realize how unimportant those things are, you will find serenity.

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

Why on earth do you need that much power to listen with? The actual advantage over the 3808 is not as great as you think.

ps damping factor is not much of a real thing, just what sort of audio information are you absorbing?

You are absolutely right! To be honest, last night just before I fell a sleep I was wondering: "Makes sense I spend a lot of money on an amp just to improve 3-5% on the sound quality?" So, I've realized that's not important AT ALL!

Again, thank you for open my eyes and bring me back to Earth

 

[luisfelipe_lfo]

You are a true audiophile. You are obsessing over every insignificant detail. Maybe put new acquisitions on hold for a year, stick around and read up on how science can help you. Once you realize how unimportant those things are, you will find serenity.

You're right!

And no, I'm not a true audiophile (perhaps you were ironic again LOL), but, I confess that I'm little bit perfeccionist in some things.

 

[Ropeburn]

You're right!

And no, I'm not a true audiophile (perhaps you were ironic again LOL), but, I confess that I'm little bit perfeccionist in some things.

That is the sign of a true audiophile. Spending lots of money where it doesn't count but legend says it does.

And no, not 3-5%. 0%. Another legend.