Cambridge Audio Evo 150 vs Hifi Rose RS520


I've narrowed down my search to get either the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 or Hifi Rose RS520 integrated amp/network streamer. I'd appreciate any thoughts on both. Evo 150 has more inputs/outputs and costs about $700 less, but the RS520 is 250w vs 150w for the Evo. I have Revel Concerta2 F36 loud speakers. They're not the super efficient or high sensitivity, so I'm thinking I might need the extra power of the RS520. 

eddieboy713

Showing 1 response by akg_ca

If your list is somehow already restricted to just these two options, then it’s CAMBRIDGE as a likely preferred synergy match to your speakers IMO.

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/cambridge-audio-evo-150-streaming-integrated-amplifier/

BUT …. buying either one purely blind is a helluva risk of a synergy mismatch regardless, that I would not personally undertake. Make the effort to audition them personally ….the final accountability will be yours alone.

CAUTION: Dont get swayed by marketing puffery for specs touting WPC as any kind if a magic silver bullet on amp power.

Audio - amps speakers 

(1) The philosophy is clear. An affordable speaker with decent amplification (and source) makes moresense than an expensive speaker with a cheap amp and source.

(2) Amplifier power ratings

Another word on power: If your speakers are demanding to drive you’ll need a suitably muscular amplifier to support them….sure.

BUT …it’s current (amps) that is the key…. Not WPC. WPC specs alone are meaningless. Don’t look only at the headline power figure - see what happens when the impedance drops to four ohms. If the number nearly doubles, then your amplifier has good current delivery and will be capable of driving more demanding speakers.