2. amps-preamps
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Need help choosing my first amp for my first speakers

Hi, I am completely new to this world of hi-fi audio and I would like some help from the collective intelligence. Please bear with me even if I sound like someone who has no idea because I am.

I have just purchased my first set of speakers. I bought a used Boenicke W5 SE+. And I am looking for an amp to go with it. The speakers were a good deal but still not cheap and Im already mostly hitting my budget limit. 

I don't have any gear right now (I really mean 0), so my initial thought was to buy a Wiim amp to start off and then start changing to a more serious amp later on. (I like that it has everything including a streamer for me to get going right away)

So my questions are 
1. will the Wiim amp be able to power Boenicke W5 SE+?

2. What do you think of the plan to start with all integrated cheap amp and then changing later?

2. Any other amp suggestions for the speakers in a similar price range?($500 ish)

3. Can I just get Audio cables from Amazon?

4. How do you calculate wattage for the speakers from the speaker specs below?

5. Any other tips for a complete beginner would be appreciated.
 

Specs for Wiim Amp
https://wiimhome.com/wiimamp/specs
Specs for Boenicke W5 SE+

-

Sensitivity: 83-86 dB / watt / m depending on frequency

Nom. impedance: 4 ohms

Weight: 3.5 kg / piece (speaker only)

Standard Version

  • 5″ long throw (X-max = 9,25mm) bass driver, tuned to 50 Hz, no crossover
  • 3″ widebander made to spec, 1st order high pass filter, unique electromechanical 8-cm parallel spiral resonator installed
  • Internal wiring orientation-optimised silk-wrapped high-frequency stranded litz
  • WBT NextGen binding posts
  • Rear ambient tweeter
  • Harmonisation included

 

SE+ Version

  • 2-cm copper / 2-cm copper gold straight resonator combination installed at both widebander and bass driver in series, in addition to the parallel device
  • Mundorf Silver-Gold-Oil capacitor for widebander, added Duelund Tinned Copper Foil 0.01 uF bypass capacitor
  • Harmonix RF-5700 tuning bases at widebander’s magnet
  • Added proprietary acoustic phase linearisation network
  • Harmonisation included

 

Thanks for all the help!

 

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crustycoot
591 posts
 

KnotScott asks good questions, but you have set a high bar for yourself by choosing such inefficient speakers. I would start with a Fosi ZA3 amp, which will give you a reliable clean power supply and can be bridged if more output is desired later. A WiiM Pro Plus will serve you well as a front end. World’s Best Cables are a lower priced equivalent to Blue Jeans, and in my experience (mostly with their Mogami interconnects) are dependably high performance. Get one of these too.

This solution will complement your diminutive speakers by being a tidy compact system of 2 components and a power brick.  Don't forget to get speaker stands as well.

ronboco
740 posts
 

I recommend getting The complete guide to high end audio by Robert Harley. An excellent source for learning about this great hobby. 

macg19
672 posts
 

Off topic, but curious if 12 pairs of jc has any significance, or do you also need a new keyboard😏

soix
8,714 posts
 

Off topic, but curious if 12 pairs of jc has any significance

12 disciples maybe?

elliottbnewcombjr
5,182 posts
 

 posted this in the wrong conversation

To get listening, while you search for a good deal, $135. amazon 30 day return, a no risk trial

120 wpc/4ohms

has dac

has sub out, to self powered sub(s), takes the bass load away from your inefficient mains

fosi dac 2120

find a good deal on something you really want: watch hifishark ’first seen, new first’ check every day, bang!

keep fosi for garage system .... give it away.

btw: listen; buy a returnable sub(s): which sounds better? keep or return sub(s).

I never knew it existed, certainly not heard one, a surprising review.

fosi review

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