Of those amp choices you listed, it'd be Hegel 160 for me.
What do you think of my upgrades?
What I'm wanting to accomplish:
(1) Replace bookshelf speakers that are visually too small (but must have bookshelves)
(2) Improve audio quality especially of digital sources
Description of listening environment:
Large room (17'W x 18'L x 9'H) that is also open to kitchen/dining area. Speakers will sit on 22' D x 20" H cabinets with 10' of separation, flanking a fireplace with TV above mantle (it really is cool). Main seating area is 13' from speakers. Not ideal for the audiophile, but there's nothing I will change about it.
What I listen to:
Mostly streaming classical and 60's from my CD music collection ripped ALAC; never really loud, 60 dB(A) usually and 75 max (as measured by sound meter app on iPhone). Also really enjoy watching Youtube videos with sound playing through the 2-channel system.
Current equipment:
Harbeth P3ESR’s (visually too small); vintage 1990s Rotel RB-980BX amplifier (believe rated at 120wpc) and Rotel RTC-940AX tuner preamplifier; Sonos Connect for streaming digital sources and internet radio from MacBook Pro.
Changes I'm considering:
(1) Replacing Rotel separates with an integrated amp with built-in DAC. Hoping the new DAC will improve the sound of my digital sources. Considering Cambridge CXA-81, Parasound HINT, Peachtree Nova 150, NAD C388, and Hegel H160. All pre-owned except CXA-81.
(2) Replacing Harbeths with one of the following: Spendor 3/1 or 2/3, ProAc Response D2, Harbeth C7, Focal Electra 1008 Be. The Spendor's and ProAc's are front-ported; the Focal's rear and the Harbeth's not. Visually, I love the Focal's but am concerned by its rear-port placement so close to the wall.
I won't be auditioning these in my room, but rather making changes strictly on what I've read and learned from folks like you. Your feedback will be much appreciated. Thanks!
(1) Replace bookshelf speakers that are visually too small (but must have bookshelves)
(2) Improve audio quality especially of digital sources
Description of listening environment:
Large room (17'W x 18'L x 9'H) that is also open to kitchen/dining area. Speakers will sit on 22' D x 20" H cabinets with 10' of separation, flanking a fireplace with TV above mantle (it really is cool). Main seating area is 13' from speakers. Not ideal for the audiophile, but there's nothing I will change about it.
What I listen to:
Mostly streaming classical and 60's from my CD music collection ripped ALAC; never really loud, 60 dB(A) usually and 75 max (as measured by sound meter app on iPhone). Also really enjoy watching Youtube videos with sound playing through the 2-channel system.
Current equipment:
Harbeth P3ESR’s (visually too small); vintage 1990s Rotel RB-980BX amplifier (believe rated at 120wpc) and Rotel RTC-940AX tuner preamplifier; Sonos Connect for streaming digital sources and internet radio from MacBook Pro.
Changes I'm considering:
(1) Replacing Rotel separates with an integrated amp with built-in DAC. Hoping the new DAC will improve the sound of my digital sources. Considering Cambridge CXA-81, Parasound HINT, Peachtree Nova 150, NAD C388, and Hegel H160. All pre-owned except CXA-81.
(2) Replacing Harbeths with one of the following: Spendor 3/1 or 2/3, ProAc Response D2, Harbeth C7, Focal Electra 1008 Be. The Spendor's and ProAc's are front-ported; the Focal's rear and the Harbeth's not. Visually, I love the Focal's but am concerned by its rear-port placement so close to the wall.
I won't be auditioning these in my room, but rather making changes strictly on what I've read and learned from folks like you. Your feedback will be much appreciated. Thanks!