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!


kara200
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.
What Yamaha power amp was your dad using?
Is there a reason you don't want to use the Yamaha amp at a low-level volume so as not to disturb your neighbors?
Why not give the Yamaha a try first?  It has a volume control doesn't it?  You don't have to turn it to 11.
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