Stereo Amp and Speaker Combination

GeneticDeviant

Hi ya. I am looking for a Stereo Amplifier. Was considering the Cyrus One. I was wondering which speakers would be a good match for it ?

do you recommend the Cyrus One or is there an alternative you’d recommend for the same sort of money?

I will be using it purely for powering speakers and later on run a phono Amplifier into it although I understand it’s internal phono amp is already reasonably good.

For further context : 

possibly room for floorstanders but good sized bookshelf may be better bet due to space. 

In terms of my listening preferences. I do appreciate detail but I don’t like the sound to be abrasive or harsh where listener fatigue becomes an issue (for detail listening I have headphone setup for that anyhow). I like a holographic sound with vocals quite prominent. I am In no way a bass head and can’t stand bass being loose or flabby or bleeding much into the rest of the soundstage. I do like a fairly good low end that’s tight and detailed though. 

Most of my musical taste is 90s guitar driven, rock, metal, alternative, punk, grunge , acoustic, ska, 70s stuff like The Doors, Led Zeppelin etc with the odd music soundtrack (Hans Zimmer etc) thrown in for good measure. 

Hopefully that helps. I look forward to your reply.

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058233967/stereo-amp-and-speaker-combination

Hi GeneticDeviant.

The Cyrus One is an excellent amp and performs very well.

Currently priced at 849 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-203433-cyrus-one-hd-black-stereo-amplifier.aspx?swapstore=1

Speakers to compliment the Cyrus, you could check out the Fyne Audio F300 which are priced at 749 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-203723-fyne-audio-f500-black-oak-speakers-per-pair.aspx

Or the Monitor Audio Silver 100 coming in at 899 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-205796-monitor-audio-silver-100-7g-black-oak-speakers-per-pair.aspx

You should check out the Leak Stereo 130 priced at 899 Euro. I love this amp, we use it everyday here at the store and its is superb.

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-205150-leak-stereo-130-walnut-stereo-amplifier-3-year-guarantee.aspx

Pair this with the Wharfdale Lintons coming in at 1179 Euro and this would be a mind blowing setup.

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-204551-wharfedale-linton-inc-stands-walnut-speakers-per-pair-including-stands-3-year-guarantee.aspx

Let me know your thoughts.

GeneticDeviant

Thank you for the advice. In regards to speakers how would the Wharfedale Evo 4.3 pair with the Cyrus and the Leak amp ? Would they be a good smaller alternative to the Lintons ?

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118667828#Comment_118667828

Hey GeneticDeviant.

The Evo 4.2 would also be a great addition to either the Cyrus or the Leak, they perform very well without over stretching the budget.

We have the Leak running at the minute here at the store and it really can run almost anything we have thrown at it right up to speakers at 9.5 K Euro and it really does sing.

The Leak is going to be my next purchase.

You could also check out the Klipsch RP600M, another great sounding speaker and pairs up well with the Leak. Priced at 794 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-14702-klipsch-rp-600m-ebony-bookshelf-speakers-per-pair.aspx

Let me know your thoughts.

GeneticDeviant

If possible my speaker choice should be suitable for sitting on a Kallax unit. Otherwise anything floorstanding or requiring a stand will require changing my room around.

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118667987#Comment_118667987

Hi GeneticDeviant.

So far the speakers I have mentioned apart from the Lintons will fit in one of the Kallax units.

The Kallax is 77.2cm in height and 39.1cm in depth for each shelf.

The speakers are between 32cm - 29cm in Height and 32cm - 35cm in Depth. So as long as you are spacing the speakers out with a shelf each speaker you will be grand.

For Floorstanders there is a good deal on the Klipsch R620F at 719 Euro.

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-204036-klipsch-r-620f-black-speakers-per-pair.aspx

The JBL Stage A190 at 799 Euro are also a nice sounding speaker.

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-205778-jbl-stage-a190-black-speakers-per-pair.aspx

There is also the Oberon 5 priced at 869 Euro which are 5 star reviewed in What Hifi.

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-203627-dali-oberon-5-black-speakers-per-pair.aspx

Let me know what you think.

GeneticDeviant

lots of options. How would you describe the sound of both the Cyrus amp and the Leak Amp. How do they differ in terms of sonic character?

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

Hey GenenticDeviant.

The Leak is very very well balanced and produces fantastic reproduction on any track we have played on it.

The Leak would be more bass driven and warm sounding to the Cyrus which compared to the Leak is brighter in sound.

Personally I find the Leak will suit your listen style better as it is pretty close to my own.

For the extra money the Leak is 100% worth every bit of it.

GeneticDeviant

Hi. Thanks again for getting back to me.

Is there be an option whereby I can somehow connect my two speakers to both a stereo amp and an AV receiver so I can make it part of my Hi Fi setup abs my home cinema setup simultaneously? Bi amping perhaps? (Though I’m not sure this is what that means )

if so. Would some speakers be better option? I’m thinking in regards also coherency with additional speakers (for home cinema surround) etc.

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118672093#Comment_118672093

Hi GeneticDeviant.

There really is no way to run a pair of speakers off two amps other than have two sets of wireless run and change them at the speaker each time you want to use the different amp.

Connecting two amps to one pair of speakers could end up damaging the speakers if both amps got switched on at once and two signals when to them at the same time.

You could perhaps add a speaker switch that would allow you to switch between the two sets but again not something that is usually done.

Bi Amping:

Many multichannel AV receivers have seven or more built-in amplifiers — one for each (potentially) connected speaker. However, because of limited space and other considerations, most home theaters (and most music listening environments) can only comfortably accommodate a standard 5.1 layout — that is, five speakers and one subwoofer. This means there are excess amplifier channels in your receiver that are not being used. And that’s the perfect excuse to bi-amp your main speakers, using two amplifiers and two sets of wires to drive each.

I hope this helps a little....

GeneticDeviant

Thanks. I’m assuming an AV receiver is going to lack in comparison to something like the Leak for purely music listening / Hi Fi ?

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118672419#Comment_118672419

Hey GeneticDeviant.

Yeah, with the Leak being purely designed for Stereo it will sound better than all AV receivers at it price point and above.

GeneticDeviant

Ok so looks like when I’ll do the home cinema I’ll need separate speakers for that then so.

How would you compare and rate other amps against the Leak and Cyrus. In particular Roksan Atessa , the Audiolab 6000 etc,

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118672708#Comment_118672708

Hi GeneticDeviant.

The Attessa is a league above the Leak, Cyrus and 6000A but you do pay the extra for it. Priced at 1199 Euro.

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-14637-roksan-attessa-stereo-amplifier-black-stereo-amplifier.aspx

Between the Cyrus, Leak and 6000A I still prefer the Leak and as I mentioned above I will be purchasing one of the Leaks very soon myself.

GeneticDeviant

You definitely seem to prefer that Warmer sound yourself. I like the idea of the Leak and the Lintons. I fear maybe with that combo the warmth may be too much for me.

in regards the Roksan Atessa Amp. There’s very little coverage online about it. What can you tell me about this amp sound signature and quality wise? In which way is it better than the Cyrus, Leak etc ?

is the Atessa CD transport to accompany it also nice ?

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118673630#Comment_118673630

Hi GeneticDeviant.

To be honest I haven't had much use of the Attessa so could not give a proper formed opinion. Its a pretty new product for ourselves.

The way it is better than the others is that is sounds better, it has more volume and low levels and produces a good reproduction of the tracks we have played through it.

Again a lot of the sound quality will come from the speakers that you use and not just the amp.

It might be a good idea to try and make the journey to us here in Belfast and get a listen to these setups for yourself.

We have yet to stock the Attessa CD player so not sure how it performs unfortunately.

GeneticDeviant

Ok yeah I’d love to do that honestly. Being 3 to 4 hours drive seay is tricky but be good day out lol.

Heres my thinking: I see it as two roads to go down.

1. Cyrus amp paired with maybe Warmer speakers such as Wharfedales, possibly Evo 4.2 or something similar (feel free to suggest alternatives). I think these will tame any harshness that the Cyrus potentially could have (from reviews I’ve read). I’m thinking this may give well balanced sound. Would you agree ?
2. Leak Amp paired with less warm speakers. Perhaps the Fyne Audio 500, KEF Q350 or similar. I feel the warmness of the amp paired with more neutral sound and emphasised highs / detail from the speakers may mix well. Would you also agree?

lastly I’d need a CD transport to pair with both options

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118674187#Comment_118674187

Hi GeneticDeviant.

I still find it hard to get away from the Leak as I listen to it everyday and it is excellent. It handles those F500 perfectly and we have demo it with them about 2-3 times already this week :)

We have ran it with everything and no matter what it handles them and produces top notch audio.

If you did want to go for the Cyrus it would indeed pair well with the Evo 4.2 or maybe even the B&W 607

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-204927-bowers-wilkins-607-s2-anniversary-edition-black-speakers-per-pair.aspx

You can pair it with the Leak CDT which is priced at 629 In the Walnut or 499 in the Silver.

GeneticDeviant

ok so was listening to sound demos of speakers online. I know not best way to do it but for now it’s my only option.

Must say was super impressed with the Wharfedale Lintons. In particular the emphasis / forwardness in the mids and especially male and female vocals. The laid back warm sound is very nice. So much so that I think I’m considering the Lintons What kind of space footprint do they require?

if I’ve not enough space for them would there be a similar sounding option in a bookshelf of floorstander that’d need less space footprint ?

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118678542#Comment_118678542

Hey GeneticDeviant.

The Lintons really are the business!!!

One of my colleagues has a pair at home and we have demoed them many time here in store. Very good choice of speaker and 5 star reviewed in What HiFi.

Footprint of the speaker is:

Speaker Dimensions WxDxH (mm)300 x 360 x 565 (inc terminals). The stand have the same Width and Depth.

There is anything smaller that I could recommend instead of the Lintons without going further up in price.

For a floorstander you could check out the Focal Chora 826 coming in at 1199 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-204337-focal-chora-826-black-speakers-per-pair.aspx

Or the Evo 4.4 (5 Star Reviewed) at 1199 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-204414-wharfedale-evo-4-4-black-speakers-per-pair-3-year-guarantee.aspx

Next up would be the Monitor Audio Silver 200 priced at 1369 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-14683-monitor-audio-silver-200-7g-gloss-black-speakers-per-pair.aspx

GeneticDeviant

I seem to like the warm, sweet sound signature from the Wharfedale speakers (based on online sound demos). I will go for the Wharfedale Evo 4.2 , the Evo 4.4, or the Lintons most likely. Though I’d love to also audition the Focal Chora 826 also as I love their range of headphones. My speaker purchase will be one of these for sure.

Im assuming the Leak amp will power all of these no problem and sound good doing so ?

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118680138#Comment_118680138

Hi Kenny is off today I hope you don't mind me reply on his behalf. Any of those speakers would be an excellent pairing with the Leak.

Regards Stephen

GeneticDeviant

Thanks for picking up on the chat. Much appreciated.

in regards to the Evo4.4 are they suitable for a small to medium sized room ? Do they take up less space footprint than the Lintons? In your experience for both lintons and Evo 4.4 how far away from the wall do they need to be ?

thanks.

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

The Evo 4.4's would be fine for a medium sized room. They do have a smaller footprint than the lintons.

In regards to how close to place to the wall the evo4.4's are recommended to be placed at least 200mm from the wall. While there is no recommended distance for the Lintons I would suggest about 200mm also

Regards Stephen

GeneticDeviant

My room dimensions etc are as follows :

Space designated for speaker placement is 37inches wide

Speakers can sit out into room = 35inches (to front of speaker)

Room is 10ft wide x 14.5 ft long. 

Speakers will be on the 10ft sized wall. 

Seating position is 7ft away from the wall where speakers will be.

perhaps this will dictate which option is viable or not.

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

To be honest either of those speaker will work in that sort of area. you have plenty of room to set them 200mm is less than 8 inches

Regards Stephen

GeneticDeviant

Will you be getting the wharfedale Evo 4.3 in Stock at anytime? I see you have the 4.2 and 4.4 only on your website currently.

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118691200#Comment_118691200

Hey GeneticDeviant.

The 4.3 are a special order product and can be order up as we require them.

Currently priced up at £999.00 / 1199 Euro.

https://www.richersounds.com/wharfedale-evo-4-3-black.html

Lead time is about 7-10 Working days to get them to us here at the store (Stock permitting).

GeneticDeviant

Okay so I’ve decided that I’ll be going for Wharfedale Speakers. It’ll be either the Evo 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 or the Lintons which will be decided once I listen to them all.

im yet to choose amp. I was looking at the leak but from what I’ve read it’s power output is a good bit lower than other competitors and may struggle with the Evo 4.4’s.

So really looking for a good amp match now that’ll also have a matching good CD player or CD transport.

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118692624#Comment_118692624

Hi GeneticDeviant.

I would still go for the Leak Amp and CD palyer.

In my opinion you need to go over 1000 Euro to compete with the Leak.

GeneticDeviant

Yeah I must give it a listen.

if need be I’m prepared to go above 1k for amp etc for the right setup.

specifically the following:

Roksan Atessa amp and Roksan Atessa CD (not seeing CD transport on your website)

Rotel A14 Mk2 and Rotel Cd14 Mk2 (I’m not seeing this CD player on your website)

Arcam SA20 with the Arcam CDS50

Would you be able to advise on each of these in terms of quality and sound characteristic please? How will they pair up with the Wharfedale speakers ?

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

Hi

Kenny is on a day off i hope you don't mind me replying on his behalf. As you say we don't list the Roksan or the Rotel CD players so i would have to check on pricing and availability for you next week.

However the Arcam package you mention would be an excellent choice and would work well with any of the speakers you have mentioned

CDS50

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-203140-arcam-cds50-sacd-player-with-music-streamer.aspx?swapstore=1

SA20

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-203364-arcam-sa20-black-stereo-amplifier.aspx

I have both these units in stock in our main warehouse and could have them delivered to you next week. Let me know what you think

Regards Stephen

GeneticDeviant

Hi Stephen. How would you describe the Arcam sound ? Clean / analytical or more warm and smooth ?

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

I would say it's warm and smooth, but still a very clear and detailed sound

GeneticDeviant

Thanks Kenny. Does the Arcam amp sound as good or better than the Rotel or the Roksan? I understand both the Rotel and Roksan and more neutral leaning sound wise ? Is this correct ?

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118705261#Comment_118705261

Hi GeneticDeviant.

On the CD transports. They are not on our website as we have yet to stock them or they will be a special order product. I would have to make contact with our supplier to see if we can get them.

I have not heard either the Rotal or Roksan CD player in action so I am unable to comment on how they sound.

Out the the amp listed the Attessa is going to be the winner followed by the Arcam for me.

I really do suggest you try and get to listen to some of these amps as what I like you may not. It is a lot of money to shell out :)

GeneticDeviant

Hi. I was recommended the Cambridge audio CXA81 amplifier. I also see they do a matching CD transport and Streaming box and that you have a set with speaker bundle on your website. I believe the speakers are the Fyne Audio F500. Looks a fine bundle.

what are your impressions of the CXA81 amp? How is the bundle paired with the Fyne speakers above? And if I wanted the bundle but different speakers can a similar deal be accommodated?

many thanks

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118792928#Comment_118792928

Hi GeneticDeviant.

The CXA81 performs very well indeed, a few of my colleagues have one at home and they love it. Paired with the F500's it really does perform very very well!!

The current bundle with the F500 was put together to help clear down some excess stock of the F500.

To change the speakers in the bundle I would have to rework the whole deal based on which ever speakers you wanted to go for.

GeneticDeviant

Hi ya. Are you able to get in the NAD C700? I’m not seeing it on your website.

After consultation with the wife I’m now leaning towards a single box solution as a stereo amp and streamer that’ll match in well with my current headphone amp listening setup. This’ll mean something like Cyrus One Cast, Bluesound Powernode 3, Cambridge Audio Evo 150 as well as the NAD. Have I missed any of the options at the sane performance level ?

if you can get the NAD which speakers will match well ?

thank you ?

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118805248#Comment_118805248

Hi GeneticDeviant.

Unfortunately we can not get our hands on NAD products.

The Cyrus One Cast and the Powernode would be on the same level but the Evo 150 is miles ahead and also cost over twice as much.

The Cyrus One Cast comes in at 999 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-204480-cyrus-one-cast-network-stereo-amplifier.aspx

The EVO 150 coming in at 2499 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-205334-cambridge-audio-evo150-streaming-mini-system-exc-speakers.aspx

And the Powernode coming in at 979 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-205599-bluesound-powernode-gen-3-black-wireless-music-streaming-amplifier.aspx

In between these models there is the AudioLab Omnia coming in at 1799 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-205976-audiolab-omnia-black-streaming-music-system-exc-speakers.aspx

Also the Quad Artera Solus Play priced at 1999 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-204833-quad-artera-solus-play-black-streaming-mini-system-exc-speakers.aspx

Again it depends on what you wan to spend. The higher up in price the better sound quality.

GeneticDeviant

Really is hard to look past the value that the Bluesound Powernode 3 offers. I really like BluOS too. I think paired with Wharfedale Evo 4.2 speakers it could make a great value , excellent sounding system. Would you agree ?

Heres my question. I have a Pro-Ject DAC Box RS connected up to my Pro-Ject CD Box RS via XLR cable. I wish to use the CD transport with the Powernode as well as my headphone amplifier / DAC Box. What way would I connect the Powernode so I can use the CD transport with the Powernode through the speakers ?

here’s a pic of the rear of the DAC Box:

And here’s a pic of the rear of the CD transport:

i believe the DAC Box RS would have a superior DAC than the Powernode It is rocking a pair of Texas Instruments PCM 1792 DAC chips. If you think the DAC is better would I be better off, if possible, to bypass the DAC on the Powernode and use the DAC box RS DAC chips instead ? If so how would I connect it to do this ?

sorry for all the questions just not sure on the best route to take.

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118806186#Comment_118806186

Hi GeneticDeviant.

The Bluesound is great value for money.

I believe you can switch the DAC off in the menu settings of the Powernode.

With the 2i it was done like this:  Settings> Player > Audio > Enable Output Level Fixed and Enable MQA External DAC

Your current DAC should be better but you will be able to compare it to the built in DAC and see which you prefer.

For connecting your CD transport to it you would use the 3.5mm Optical inputs on the Powernode. (Going by the manual of the Powernode it comes with 2x 3.5mm to optical adaptor included).

Hope this helps.

Let me know your thoughts.