Streaming amp for bookshelf speakers.

[TLN]

Long time reader, first time positing here. Mods please move to the right category if needed.

Considering upgrading my stereo system and need advice on streaming amp.
Currently running B&W CM6 S2 speakers with Marantz SR7009 Received. I feel that receiver is not the best for stereo speakers and wonder if there're better options.

Rest of the system (audio in home) includes:
KEF LS50 Wireless
2x KEF Kube 10 subs (working as pair, but will be split between systems).
Rega Planar 1 Plus (one with integrated Phono)

1. I'd like to find amp that is "reasonable" for existing CM6 S2. Pairing existing speakers with $5k amp doesn't make sense. Price-wise I'd like to stay around 1k, but can stretch it to $2k. At some point I'll upgrade CM6 S2 for something bigger.
2. I'm wondering how recent amps/streamers compare to SR7009. I'm afraid that something like Marantz Stereo 70s (75w x 8Ohm) will be a side-grade, rather than an upgrade. Current Marantz used to be top-of-the line AV receiver.
3. I would like to get more features with streaming/etc. No hard requirements though.
4. Planning to use system as stereo only, don't care about multi-channel.
5. Existing turntable with integrated phono. I might consider upgrading it in the future (so MM input will come in handy) but it's not neccessary.

Currently considering:
Marantz Stereo 70s: lots of features that I like (eARC, bi-wire, sub-out, MM input), 75W. Not-so-good review of Cinema 70s though.
Yamaha new R-N600a/R-N800a/R-N1000a/R-N2000a. A bit more powerful than Marantz above, but also a bit more expensive. I feel like R-N800a looks like the best option in my case and really like the looks of R-N2000a ( there's one for sale nearby).
Older version of above: Yamaha R-N803 or NR1200
NAD C700 or M10 (v1/2): No phono input, but as I mentioned it's not 100% neccessary

I'm also considering few non-streaming options available locally:
Denon PMA 1600NE - MM/MC for turntable. Overall, looks very good, but missing steaming that can be easily added later.
Hypex NC500 amps. Well-received here, but I'll need to take care of preamps/streaming/etc.
Hegel Amps - See few for sale locally. Obviously, same stuff with advanced streaming but I'd mess with it, if it gets me better sound.

Any devices that I'm missing?

Are there any preferred components and stuff that I should avoid?
So far, I'm leaning towards one of following:
-realize that SR7009 is not that bad and keep it.
-get least expensive option (Stereo 70s)
-get most expensive option (low-ball R-N2000a locally, or shop for Hegel amps).

Any recommendations?

Cheers,
V

 

[DMill]

It seems you’ve narrowed it down to some really great options. The RN-2000 is a beauty. I can’t imagine getting it for less than $2500 used though (probably more unless you know a guy). I could be wrong. For $2k I’d buy it and know that you won’t need another amp for 20 years (or ever?). I really believe it is a classic.

I own the RN-1000 and love every damn thing about it. I wanted HDMI so I had to step up to this level. If I didn’t care about hooking it up with my TV, I’d choose the 800 or 700 and save a lot. The 800 and 700 are the same basic amps with room correction just no HDMI. They are solid and probably best match the resale value on a pair of CM6s. I had CM4s years ago, but realistically resale on yours is probably $800/pair on a good day. Not too much demand on the CM series which is unfortunate. They were ok speakers.

The only reason I’d go with something like the RA1200 is a good price. Make no mistake it is a beautiful amp but lacks the features of everything current. No DAC, No HDMI and weighs 9000 pounds, but it sure checks off every audiophile box. Probably give it to your grandchildren. It’s built like JLo.

Probably most here will say pick up a good Class D like a Buckeye and a solid streaming/Dac and be done. Another great path and equally as good or better (objectively) as anything I mentioned.

good luck

 

[TLN]

It seems you’ve narrowed it down to some really great options. The RN-2000 is a beauty. I can’t imagine getting it for less than $2500 used though (probably more unless you know a guy). I could be wrong. For $2k I’d buy it and know that you won’t need another amp for 20 years (or ever?). I really believe it is a classic.

I own the RN-1000 and love every damn thing about it. I wanted HDMI so I had to step up to this level. If I didn’t care about hooking it up with my TV, I’d choose the 800 or 700 and save a lot. The 800 and 700 are the same basic amps with room correction just no HDMI. They are solid and probably best match the resale value on a pair of CM6s. I had CM4s years ago, but realistically resale on yours is probably $800/pair on a good day. Not too much demand on the CM series which is unfortunate. They were ok speakers.

Absolutely agree with all that.
R-N2000 is overkill for current speakers, but I'd be very happy to grab one for $2k. Not so much at $4k MSRP.
I agree on value of CM6 and will probably put 2x into amp/streamer. There need to be a very compelling reason to go above $2k

Main questions are:
how bad is current SR7009 and how good are main contenders: Stereo 70s, R-N800a or PMA 1600NE, Hegel.

 

[JSmith]

Any devices that I'm missing?

Maybe...

WiiM Amp | Versatile Streaming Amplifier: Stream Elegance, Amplify Brilliance

Discover the WiiM Amp, a state-of-the-art streaming amplifier designed to refine the way you experience music, movie, and more, WiiM Amp combines power, versatility, and simplicity like never before. Whether you are an audiophile or a home theater enthusiast, WiiM Amp delivers exceptional sound...

wiimhome.com

WiiM Amp Streaming Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Amp streaming amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $299. I was pleasantly surprised by the good bit of weight this small box has. It will help it not slide with the weight of the speaker wires and such. Back panel shows...

www.audiosciencereview.com

There is a Pro version about to be released too, with improved measurements.


JSmith

 

[Chrispy]

I'd keep the Marantz rather than change to another integrated amp which I doubt would make any particular difference; if something is off about the sound I'd suspect the speakers more. What do you use now for streaming to the 7009?

 

[TLN]

I'd keep the Marantz rather than change to another integrated amp which I doubt would make any particular difference; if something is off about the sound I'd suspect the speakers more. What do you use now for streaming to the 7009?

That's part of my question: what kind of amp (integrated or not) will offer noticeable jump from current one.

I'm well aware of Wiim Amp, but I'm not sure if that will improvement in sound quality.

 

[JSmith]

I'm well aware of Wiim Amp, but I'm not sure if that will improvement in sound quality.

I thought you were just after a more effective streaming solution in an integrated amp. Replacing amps rarely means an improvement in sound quality, unless the existing one is very poor indeed. You'd be better off on focusing on speakers, measurements, placement, EQ and possible room treatment.

Bowers & Wilkins CM6 S2 Speaker System Test Bench

L/R Sensitivity: 86.5 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz Center Sensitivity: 87.5 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz Surround Sensitivity: 82.5 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the CM6 S2 L/R (purple trace), ASW10CM S2 subwoofer...

www.soundandvision.com

JSmith

 

[Chrispy]

That's part of my question: what kind of amp (integrated or not) will offer noticeable jump from current one.

I'm well aware of Wiim Amp, but I'm not sure if that will improvement in sound quality.

I wouldn't expect a sound quality change let alone some sort of jump. The Wiim Amp isn't quite as powerful either. What sort of sound quality do you expect will improve particularly with the change? The 7009 is lacking how? What sort of streaming advantages are you looking for that the 7009 can't help with? If the streaming aspects of the Wiim Amp are appealing perhaps just use one of their other units...

 

[VintageFlanker]

If you want some significant improvement regarding SQ, you should better focus on the speakers, placement and acoustics rather than the amp.

However, a new streaming amp may bring you many useful features. The incoming WiiM Amp Pro, with RoomEQ and 10 bands pEQ could be a significant improvement (while not the last word regarding power, honestly) over your SR7009.

 

[Jimbob54]

Title corrected. Aint nobody wanting a steaming amp ;-)

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

I don’t know how flexible you are, but how about a WiiM Ultra streamer and a Topping power amp (PA7, or LA90)? It Topping have another power amp coming up, I believe.

 

[V.b.]

14 kg 9.2 surround receiver only used for bookshelf speakers? Kind of wasteful.

A Wiim Ultra with a decent poweramp will give you hdmi Arc, streaming, EQ and bass management.

And a decent power amp can have 8 times lower THD-N, giving you some space to EQ the room.

 

[Moonbase]

The B&W CM6 S2 have a bright sound signature and you can see that from the Sound and Vision technical data. The CM6s are B&W's old sound signature, this was replaced when the 700 series came out. I listen to the CM6 years ago and therefore am familiar with them. I suspect you will get most bang of buck replacing the CM6s rather than any other component.

@JSmith has also pointed this out and maybe EQ will tame the top end. But I suspect some good neutral speakers would be your best option

 

[TLN]

14 kg 9.2 surround receiver only used for bookshelf speakers? Kind of wasteful.

A Wiim Ultra with a decent poweramp will give you hdmi Arc, streaming, EQ and bass management.

And a decent power amp can have 8 times lower THD-N, giving you some space to EQ the room.

That is exactly what I'm thinking. I wanna swap for same (or slightly more expensive) 2-channlel unit. I'd love to get improvements with SQ and/or streaming experience, or experience in general (EQ/Dirac/etc)

I don’t know how flexible you are, but how about a WiiM Ultra streamer and a Topping power amp (PA7, or LA90)? It Topping have another power amp coming up, I believe.

I'm not sure if this is an upgrade or side grade, but I'd consider that.

 

[V.b.]

I'm not sure if this is an upgrade or side grade, but I'd consider that.

You would get better streaming, better room EQ, cleaner DAC and cleaner and more powerful AMP. No more fans on the receiver. And less use of the air conditioning.

Topping Amps are an option, the new B200 monoblocks look nice, but also Hypex ncx500.

Ultra has 12v trigger, so no headaches integrating them and in the future you could upgrade just the streamer.