2. amps-preamps
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What’s in a watt

Ok guys, here’s my current dilemma. 

I’m running my TV into an OPPO BDP-105D, which in turn is plugged into my MA6500. AppleTV is my main music/tv source, so now, we have 4 different components in play for the system. I’m running Focal 1028BE II with a pair of Velodyne VX-11 subs hooked onto the pre out from the Mac. 

Not a high priced system, but it sounds great in my smallish living room and I can (and do) listen for hours on end without fatigue.

The problem: the OPPO is on the fritz and is no longer made or supported. The other problem: while she knows how to use the system, my wife finds it to be a pain in the ass. The OPPO randomly powering off was the last straw. She watches TV on her phone and listens through AirPods when I’m not home to avoid all the components. 

I’m building a separate theatre room, so the system were discussing is strictly 2 channel w/subs. 

Ive been eyeing the Anthem STR Integrated as a good option to centralize the whole system into one box. Then, the Naim Unity line was recommended to me and it looks really intriguing. The Anthem is in the high end range for what I would like to spend, about $4500. This puts the Unity Atom in my sights. My concern is that at 40 watts, I might come up short with certain types of music, especially if we move to a bigger home.

I’ve been told that ‘Naim watts’ are superior to other watts and that it’s 40 would outperform the 120 in my MA6500 but I’m skeptical and don’t want to short change myself in the long run for ease of use now. 

I’d love to get the communities thoughts and recommendations on what a good direction or solution to current situation might be. 

Thanks!
hybrid81

Showing 1 response by glennewdick

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,737 posts
 

i've been doing some research on the all in one idea and your needs seem to follow what I was thinking. The Anthem integrated seems like a winner from many standpoints. enough power, digital ins as well as analogue and then there is the room correction system built in, this is the main reason you would buy this amp and from all the research i've done that's what makes it so good other wise its just an average hi end integrated that you will either love the sound or not just like any other product out there. I think the anthem room correction is on par with the other well done room correction systems out there thinking lyngdorf .

Speaking of Lyngdorf have you looked at their integrated getting fabulous reviews and do all if not more then the anthem.

I personally was looking at the anthem pre amp with the room correction and the lyngdorf integrated amps. The anthem preamp may fit your bill for upgradability but you will need a 2 channel amp.

I'm not a Naim fan, I have owned an all Naim system but was never engaged in the music so dumped it all and returned to tubes. I just don't get the Naim sound I suppose I always found it boring and could never get past one side of a record before I went off to do something else. That's me though so everyone has a different story.

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