Streaming solution help - Dynaudio X12 + Hegel H95. Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi, I have a Node and a Wiim Pro Plus and like them both. Using the Wiim Today, it is hard to tell a diference. The Wiim is a cheap and good solution. I would try it to start with. I also have a pair of X12’s and like them a lot, do you feel your H95 is not powerful enough for them?

This Orbi unit can do RJ-45 out, so as an experiment, I was planning on running that into the Hegel network input to see it it will work and get the Hegel to "show up" as a streaming device under the Tidal/Spotify apps via my WiFi network.

Try this first.  Someone else here did it — I think it required a call to Hegel but they were very helpful and it worked well if I recall.  

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2697096

Thank you, soix, I really appreciate this! I agree, it will be the first thing to try and it's good to know someone else tried it and it worked - I already contacted Hegel about another topic and they responded right away so I'm not concerned they won't help with this question. I appreciate you taking the time to post this and help me. 

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2697096

Hi fariatarves, thanks for taking the time to post and help me. I agree with your comment that Wiim is a relatively cheap solution and as mentioned in my original post, both my father and I were shocked at how much of a difference it made in his LS50W setup at his house. Have you tried using an LPS with your Wiim? We found that it made a significant difference to the sound quality for the better - better soundstaging, much clearer point sources for voice and instruments, far better layering and depth and width. Also the bass was much less congested and "wooly" sounding and appreciably more musical. 

Good to know that you also have the X12's and enjoy them. I found them to be great performers as well. I should give a little context to my question about the H95 usage with them: My original setup was in a relatively small loft space and the H95 did a fine job of driving the X12's. My new space where I intend to set everything up is significantly larger and that is why I am wondering about the driving power of the H95 (which is only 60W into 8 ohm - I haven't seen the specs for 4 ohm listed anywhere) to suit the larger listening space I intend to use them in. I have seen posts elsewhere which pointed to users having excellent results using around 100 wpc driving power from the amp. If I may ask, what amplifier are you using with your X12's? 

In doing more research, I did find that the Eversolo products mentioned in my original post handle WiFi, so I am leaning to the DMP-A8 (due to AKM chips - warmer less analytic sound quality, reviews seem to confirm that) as a potential solution but to your point, the Wiim Pro + is a far cheaper solution at around 1/10th the cost. 

I've seen many highly favorable reviews of the DMP-A8, one of them even said they compared it against the Gustard R26 and he liked the DMP-A8 sound better. I can only imagine it would be much better than any of the Wiim products, provided the rest of the system was up to the task. What I'm basically wondering is "is my system up to that task?" hence my post. 

Thanks again for your reply. 

In doing more research, I did find that the Eversolo products mentioned in my original post handle WiFi, so I am leaning to the DMP-A8

You’re better off going hardwired from your Orbi rather than using just Wi-Fi.  There’s something about streamers processing the Wi-Fi signal that seems to significantly degrade performance, and since you already have the Orbi it’s a no brainer IMHO. 

As far as the amp, your Dyns have low sensitivity (84.8dB as measured by Stereophile) and would likely benefit from more power especially as you’re moving into a larger space — I’d shoot for at least 100Wpc.  If you like the sound with the H95 then simply moving up the Hegel line would be worth considering, and you’d also likely be getting a better DAC as well.  Just my $0.02 FWIW.

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2697096

Hi Soix, 

Thanks for the suggestion and yes, it was my plan to hardwire from the Orbi to the Hegel. As you said, no-brainer. 

Also agree on your comment on the amp especially from what I've seen in other postings regarding X12. I had considered a Cambridge Audio CXA-81. I saw that the Mk1 model is discounted everywhere so I looked at Cambridge Audio's website and saw they're in the process of launching a Mk2 with some upgrades that apparently improves soundstage depth. I have zero experience with CA products. Judging by the reviews, some people love the amp, others say it's boring, I guess it all depends on the context of the whole system, kind of like how my father's LS50W sounded cold, shrill and clinical in its delivery using onboard DAC, but that all changes when using the Wiim Pro + via RCA and LPS. I have seen no reviews on the Hegel H95 paired with the X12s, specifically. 

Are there any 100 wpc amplifiers you would recommend I consider? I am by no means tied to Hegel so whereas I do agree with your suggestion to look up the Hegel line, they are rather expensive versus other options so I thought I would ask. 

yes, it was my plan to hardwire from the Orbi to the Hegel. As you said, no-brainer…Are there any 100 wpc amplifiers you would recommend I consider?

Even if you get a streamer like the Eversolo you should still hardwire it to the Orbi and not use Wi-Fi — not sure if I was clear on that. As for the amp, it really depends on what improvements and sound characteristics you’re after. Lots of good alternatives so just depends mostly on what specifically you’d like to achieve sonically with a new amp. Also, what would your budget be and would you be looking for new or used?

Thanks soix. So maybe it’s my confusion but:

If I connect the Orbi to the H95 via a cable then the H95 DAC would be used. I just emailed Hegel to seek their instructions on how to do this, by the way and thanks for the suggestion! 
 

however in the case of a streamer, let’s say the WiiM or the Eversolo, 

both of those have WiFi built in so the sound files would go over WiFi via my network and then decoded and the analog signal would go from the streamer to the H95 rca inputs. I don’t understand why introducing the Orbi into that mix would help? Unless you are saying that it would be a better choice due to sound quality? If so, why? I’m genuinely curious. Should I use any special RJ45 cable or is a stock one just fine? 
 

for the amplifier, I’d say around 2-3k. New preferred just due to warranty if anything goes awry. Had a couple bad experiences buying used hifi gear in the past. I had an integrated amplifier and a cd player go bad on me within a few months of me buying them and they both needed costly repairs. 
 

I’m a self proclaimed soundstage addict. I’m after that “3-d” sound with as much width and depth as possible, and prefer a warmer sound over a hyper detailed analytic one. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate detail but some liquidity and “soul” is needed for my ears. Hope that helps, if not feel free to ask any questions and thanks for taking the time and effort to help me. 

Just to add something I am debating on, 

I’ve emailed Hegel to ask which input to use that would bypass the H95’s internal DAC (I assume the RCA inputs would work for this purpose). If I can do that then maybe using the WiiM as a bridge and connect it to an external DAC, like the Schiit Bifrost 2 to the H95 via RCA would be a possibility and cost half of the asking of the Eversolo DMP-8. 

I don’t understand why introducing the Orbi into that mix would help? Unless you are saying that it would be a better choice due to sound quality? If so, why? I’m genuinely curious. Should I use any special RJ45 cable or is a stock one just fine? 

Yes.  Going hardwired from the Orbi relieves the streamer from having to process the Wi-Fi signal, and many here have found it to be sonically superior and more stable along with avoiding having to run long cables that has its own problems.  As everything matters in audio I’d avoid using a stock Ethernet cable, but a good one needn’t cost too much.  Good info on what you’re looking for from an amp — gotta do some more thinking on that and the DAC option.
 

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2697096
 

thanks soix, what you are saying makes sense. Obviously you can tell that I’m a newcomer to the streaming aspect, so I appreciate you taking the time to explain. I’ll definitely use the wired option and invest a bit into the cable after I do a little research first. I can definitely relate to avoiding long runs of cable. And looking forward to your amp/DAC recommendations! I’d also be interested in hearing if you have any specific suggestions for speaker cables, interconnects or power cables. 
Cheers! 

I’m a self proclaimed soundstage addict. I’m after that “3-d” sound with as much width and depth as possible, and prefer a warmer sound over a hyper detailed analytic one. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate detail but some liquidity and “soul” is needed for my ears.

This can be improved with either a new amp or a DAC (or both), so the first thing would be to decide if you wanna stick with the H95 or need/want to get a new amp with more power and then explore options from there.  Sticking with the H95 and adding a new DAC and streamer is likely the cheaper/easier option if you can live with that amp’s lower power output.  Buying a new amp will likely give you a bigger overall improvement but will also likely require still buying a new DAC and streamer and would be a more expensive path.  If you’re really committed to getting the best sound the latter would be the way to go if it’s in budget, but if not you can still make some good strides keeping the H95.  I think this is really your first decision to make.  If it was me, I’d get the H95 up and running in the bigger room and see what you get and go from there.  Hope this helps a little.

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2697096
 

That helps a lot, thanks soix. I’m waiting to hear back from Hegel support for the Orbi network instructions so I’m hoping early this coming week or so I’ll get the information and have some time to set it all up and evaluate. Based on what I hear I’ll start thinking about adding a dedicated outboard streamer. As mentioned above I’m leaning towards the Schiit Bifrost or maybe the Eversolo DMP-A8. Lots of very favorable reviews and it seems like going down that route would also help future proof in the case I decided to upgrade the integrated amplifier or go separates at some point. I’ll post back here with the findings as I progress. Thanks again for all of your input so far. It’s going to be fun getting back into the hobby! 

Well, dammit. 

Hooked up the H95 and it won't turn on. I've emailed Hegel to see what they say. Soix (or anyone else), if you have any good recommendations for an amplifier around the 2-2.5k mark I'd appreciate it. I did buy a Wiim Pro Plus and an LPS which I will use with it until I figure out a better streaming option. 

Again, looking for a slightly warmer vs more analytic/cold sound, I value soundstage (width and depth) and rock solid imaging the most. Room is about 16 feet wide by around 24 feet deep, but I do plan to sit around 8-9 feet away with the speakers that far apart as well.

Here's a list of what I currently am considering (and if anyone can shed some light - for better or worse - on any of these, then I'd be appreciative of that too): 

Speakers are Dynaudio X12 and using Transparent Audio The Wave (Gen 1) cables with spade terminations on both ends. 

Amps I am considering: 

Cambridge Audio CXA-81 Mark II

Leak Stereo 230

Rogue Sphinx v3 Magnum 

Peachtree Audio Carina 150

Anything else worthwhile I should consider? Potential downsides on the above if anyone cares to share given my setup/preferences? 

Thanks in advance!

Hi, audioneo80! I have been using a Rega Brio with my X12s for many years.

I like the sound a lot but know the speakers would benefit from more power. I am also considering getting a new amp and have thought of Marantz Model 40n, Rega Elex, CA CXa81 but also the cheaper Yamaha A-S801. In the case of the Yamaha I could also use its well reviewed DAC instead of the Wiim's. Your list seems very good as well. By the way, what sort of LPS you're getting? 

Hi fariatavares, thanks for your reply. Here is what I got for LPS:

https://www.allo.com/sparky/nirvana-smps.html

I got it from Amazon. I set up my father’s WiiM pro plus with that exact LPS and it made a big difference for the better in the sound. I didn’t use the grounding feature. I forget if I toggled the earth switch on or off but I can check by this weekend if you are interested in knowing the details. 
 

thanks for your list! I also did a little research into the Rega Brio, but was concerned it wasn’t enough power so I appreciate you sharing your experience with that unit. Maybe Elex might be worth a look. If I can ask, what did you like about the Rega Brio sound? Did it throw a good soundstage with the X12’s? Anything missing to your ears, other than maybe too little power? In other words - how is the Rega “house sound”? 
 

Interesting that you brought up Marantz. I’m going to look more into that, thanks!
 

I’m somewhat tempted by Peachtree audio Carina 150, just not sure if the “house sound” will suit my preferences. I’m also beginning to look at potentially either the Schiit Aegir 2 or Vidar with Freya +, just for the sake of it. Vidar has lots of power, Aegir 2 significantly less so but reviewers seem to like the smooth sound. Can run them as monoblocks, apparently? 
 

yet another option is to ditch everything and just get some KEF LS50 wireless II’s. I bet I’d enjoy that setup but not sure if the itch to try a different outboard DAC would come into play down the road. With a more traditional setup I could mix and match components or even speakers. The KEF option is definitely something that would lock me in. Maybe I’ll see if the local hifi shop will offer a demo pair I could try. 
 

this is an interesting crossroads for sure. Thanks for sharing your input! 

My Rega Brio sounds very natural, organic, one could say. Warmish. not bright at all, Musical. I like it.

Thanks! That's a sound quality I enjoy. I will check out with Elex as an option.