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
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 🗑️ |
Ok guys, I want to first say THANK YOU for being so welcoming with your comments and suggestions. First time in the forums. There are a thousand opinions and some of them conflict, but the beauty of hifi audio is that audio is usually more subjective than objective and I appreciate your input so much. I’ve asked a couple questions on other hifi forums and you guys are by far the loudest and most thorough. Thank you! Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to me (bday is Dec 28th) and I’ve decided I’m going to do a serious upgrade on my speakers. Yes, I know if I go high on the speaker choice my amp may also need an upgrade and I’m ok with that. Recap on my current setup: Loudspeakers: Monitor Audio Silver 300s (90db sens) mfg recommended 80-200w Subwoofer: I do have a subwoofer, REL t5i, but could disconnect if the new LS had enough low end and the power amp was only 2ch Integrated Amp: Cambridge Audio CAX81 80watt/ch Phono Preamp: Schiit Mani [insert schiit joke here] Source: Rega Planar 6 (2021 ver). I am using an Ania Pro MC cartridge if that matters. No other source except occasional Bluetooth pandora Room: 16’ x 24’ (x 9’ ceiling). Carpet Music Type: Soft Rock, Classic Rock, Alternative. No Jazz, strong percussion etc Sound preference: warm, separated vocals from mids Preamp/Amp considerations: I have the CA CAX81 as mentioned and will consider a stronger power amplifier and just use the preamp outputs of the CAX81. Lots of choices here right? I am eyeing the MF A1008 for $1,000 used. Heard many say BUY IT and some say be careful it’s a 2007 used amp. Someone said Krell vintage amp, what model? Also Rotel. Open to others. Phono Preamp: I have the Schiit Mani phono preamp ($149) and it’s something I’ve heard some recommendations of upgrading and I’m fine replacing that. Give me suggestions. Loudspeakers: Here's where I want to start. I heard the B&W Nautilus in a local listening room last year and was blown away. I realize these are ridiculous and I’m not expecting this exact sound. However, I am looking at the B&W 800 series and my budget is going to be $8,000-9,000. I’m open to buying used and notice ALOT on Audiogon but have no idea where to start. 801N, 802D, 804D3, etc? Open to thoughts on moving forward and will post back when I upgrade. Thank you for everything thus far! |
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. |
your speakers dip below 4 ohm and might be straining your amp at moderate volume levels- for example the impedance dips below 4 ohms in the bass frequencies between 100 to 200 Hz which means those frequencies take twice as much amplifier power to produce the same volume level. With a 5K budget I would recommend a better, more robust amplifier as well as a better more dynamic phono preamp than the Mani which is an underwhelming sounding unit. The Parasound Hint 6 is a very smooth, dynamic amplifier capable of very high sound quality and has enough grunt (240 watts at 4-ohms, your speaker's demanding frequencies). For the phono preamp you usually get more up beat, dynamic sound when you have a more robust power supply. The Lehmann Audio Black Cube SEII is a very dynamic robust phono preamp that has a separate outboard linear power supply and is a giant killing value at it's price. A new robust amp and new dynamic phono preamp will give you a huge upgrade and be suitable for your speakers which are more than capable with the right supporting system.
|
