Get that Schiit out of your audio chain and replace it with a decent phono stage.
I’d start there. That’ll be a bottleneck no matter what your amplifier or speakers are.
Advice on Integrated Receiver
I currently have two Monitor Audio Silver 300s. I have a Cambridge Audio CAX81 (80w/ch). After reading the reviews, the speakers sound a bit underwhelming. I have a Rega P6 turntable hooked up for most of the audio content. In looking at the Max Wattage for the speakers I realize perhaps the amplifier isn't letting them breathe enough?
The speakers are rated at 200w max with recommended 80-200w RMS. Am I way off base in thinking I'm underpowering these?
What integrated receiver would you recommend to really drive these? Budget under $5k
Showing 8 responses by audphile1
Ok solve two problems at once - your integrated and your Schiity phono stage: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649883010-luxman-l-509x-integrated-amplifier/ Fair price for this should be around $5k - $5500 all in, tops. Given the few small nicks that live on the side of this integrated. Also comes with a phono stage that will send the Schiit to the garbage 🗑️ |
B&W 800 series will be very nice - D2 or D3. If you want to go the integrated route, Pass Int-250 (would be my first choice) or Hegel H390, Hegel H590 or the Luxman 509 (slightly underpowered for the B&Ws IMO). As for the phono stage, I like Sutherland for sound and flexibility. Even the bottom of the line KC Vibe MkIi is excellent. Just my $0.05 of course, you will get other suggestions so start compiling the info. |
Preamp is a critical part of the system. It must be transparent and on the level of your amp. Unless it’s a makeshift solution until you get a good preamp, I wouldn’t use the Cambridge in that capacity if you want to go the separates route. But, with a budget of $5000 you’re better off with an integrated in my opinion. So I would sell Cambridge and the 💩 and get a good integrated with or without a built in phono stage. Any of the integrated amps mentioned above, Parasound, Luxman, Hegel and Pass will take your system to a new level. The speakers you have should let you start enjoying the music. |
@bound4h looking at it from another angle, you get a very nice phono stage with the Luxman amp that will be good enough until you are ready to upgrade. Something that isn’t included with the H390. If you can swing it, get the luxman although like I said earlier, the Luxman might just borderline for the B&Ws as far as power is concerned. It should sound great though, regardless. |