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How much are you willing to spend?
How much are you willing to spend?
Integrated Amp for small space for VA speakers
Hello,
I just recently inherited my dad’s Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands and his Velodyne subwoofer. I now need to get these beauties the proper amplification they deserve. I live in a small condo in the city and due to proximity won’t ever be turning up my music to high levels. I understand these 4-ohm speakers need a lot of power. My dad had a huge Yamaha power amp, which is way too big for my place and would just blow my doors off and cause my neighbors above, below, and to the side to hate me. My question is, in such a small and crowded space, how much amplification would I need? I won’t be listening at loud levels but would like to hear detail at low levels. I was considering integrated amps and am looking at the just-released Cambridge Audio CXA81. It has 80 watts per channel but I understand it’s clean power with huge reserves. I heard it just the other day and it was able to drive effortlessly a pair of Polk Legend floor speakers. Also heard them with a pair of small KEFs that sounded very sweet and had an amazing image and sound for their size. So, would this be enough for the VA Mozart Grands with an active subwoofer? The guy who demoed the CXA81 for me thought so as he was really over the moon about it and thought it could drive anything, calling it a beast. I don’t know about that but I really liked the way it sounded and much preferred it to the Marantz or NAD. Or should I be considering more power even though I’m in a very small space? Something like the Cambridge Audio Azure 851? I’m not that knowledgeable about audio components but love to listen to a wide range of music, including opera, orchestral, jazz, Motown, and classic rock. I like a neutral if confident sound which the CXA81 seemed to have. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
15 responses Add your response
Properly isolating your Mozart Grands (AND the Velodyne sub) will allow you to listen at higher volumes and not bother your neighbors (as much / less ?). A good (proper) isolation solution will also allow you to listen at lower volumes with better overall performance. The Mozart Grands are rear ported...pulling them out from the front wall and adding an acoustic solution behind the ports will also help with sound quality and reduce the energy transferred into the wall and flooring. |
Depending on budget and how you feel about efficiency (being green) Wyred 4 Sound STI-500v2 has a lot to offer in performance and power. I have the STI-500v1, which can be obtained for around $800, and it sounds fantastic with numerous speakers that thrive with power as well as speakers that are pretty high in efficiency and do not require gobs of power. Read some of the reviews to get an idea of their performance levels. One of the best under $1000 investments I've ever made. https://wyred4sound.com/products/integrated-amps/clearance/sti-v2-series |
Hi Everyone, Thanks for responding! $1500 is my budget, $2k at the max. The Yamaha is just too large for my smaller stereo cabinet (it can't sit in it) and my small space, plus my brother already has it running in his basement. I currently have the grands about 2 ft from the wall. I will look into isolating it and also into the Wyred 4 sound. I love reading reviews! @yogiboy, I'm glad you think the CXA81 is powerful enough. I do like the way it sounded; although I couldn't tell if that was the Polks or those amazing small KEFs. |
What a lucky man you are! At low to moderate levels you will not need hugh power. You need a stable amp that can deliver current to feed your awesome speakers. You need a sub out for that sub. You budget should get you there. The subwoofer is likely to be the thing that annoys your neighbors so you could listen sans sub if necessary. Sound proofing can get very expensive and requires professional assistance. You can enjoy your favorite tunes at moderate levels that do not wake the dead, destroy your hearing or get you evicted. |
Thanks for the great suggestions! Yes, I am lucky and now I've been happily reading about all these amazing amps. Wyred 4 Sound, especially their mint amp, sounds intriguing not to mention unusual. Also, took a look at the Peachtree Nova and am considering the 150. I really like the look of these smaller int amps as they fit more into my space. Read a wonderful review about Belles Aria in which the writer described the sound as "luscious and sweet." That's my kind of sound! Have a lot to read & think about. I already have the CXA streamer (love it). Would there be a benefit to having it paired up with the CXN81? Or would any of these int amps work just as well? |
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Recently picked up a Musical Fidelity M2si from Upscale Audio who has them on sale for $600, regularly $1,000. Absolutely love this amp. Its no frills, no internal DAC or Phono stage, solely focused on the sound and it's definitely higher end sounding. Sounds like a much more expensive amp. Does 125 watts into 4 ohms. It's firmly in control of my Dynaudio Audience 42's. It has preouts for a sub if needed. But the sound is incredible, balanced, subtly sweet highs, nuanced bass, perfect midrange, overall just so musical. Built elegantly and like a tank. |
https://www.upscaleaudio.com/products/musical-fidelity-m2si-integrated-amplifier Looks good to me. If I was in the market for an integrated amp I would definitely consider this one. @figuy thanks for the suggestion. |
