Current setup :
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 on a big desk
SMSL A300 / SMSL DA9 amplifier + SMSL D300 DAC
Wiim Pro for streaming needs (on the way), even though the bluetooth SQ on D300 is pretty competent
Polk HTS 12 sub (so sub out / pre out is a must)
I will be selling the SMSL amps and DAC this Saturday to a friend, so I am looking to upgrade to a better integrated amplifier.
Budget: Upto 1 lakh (I am also open to pre-owned items)
1. My first thought was to get the Bluesound Powernode 2021 version, but it seems like it is not available in India anymore. I did find the Powernode 2i (60wpc version) on vplak though, but considering the price at which it is listed, I'll give it a pass. The 2021 version is available on Tanotis but I don't know if that site can even be trusted.
2. Since I also intend to change the speakers very soon, probably Dali Oberon 3/5 , Focal Chora 806, Denton 85th or Triangle br08 , I am looking for matching amps, also I hear Marantz is not a good match for Wharfedales? So probably no Marantz amp.
3. Cambridge Audio CXA81, CXA61, Rotel A11 Tribute, Audiolab 6000A comes to mind, although some are out of my budget.
4. Not sure if the above amps will be significantly better than the SMSL stack. Compared to Quad Vena which is more or less the same as Leak Stereo 130, the smsl stack is much better to my liking in every way. Also, I read somewhere the Leak Stereo 130 and Audiolab 6000A share the same internals or some sort and are not too different in terms of sound?
5. Looking for the cheapest route, preferably used and under 60k if possible. Max budget 1 lakh, can stretch a bit, but I do not wish to spend more than 1L at this time.
6. USB DAC is also a must.
7. How is Emotiva TA-1? It has usb dac with sub out (LPF and HPF).
8. Regarding Cambridge Audio AXR85/100 , are these more or less the same as CXA61/81 series if I used a separate DAC?
9. Help
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 on a big desk
SMSL A300 / SMSL DA9 amplifier + SMSL D300 DAC
Wiim Pro for streaming needs (on the way), even though the bluetooth SQ on D300 is pretty competent
Polk HTS 12 sub (so sub out / pre out is a must)
I will be selling the SMSL amps and DAC this Saturday to a friend, so I am looking to upgrade to a better integrated amplifier.
Budget: Upto 1 lakh (I am also open to pre-owned items)
1. My first thought was to get the Bluesound Powernode 2021 version, but it seems like it is not available in India anymore. I did find the Powernode 2i (60wpc version) on vplak though, but considering the price at which it is listed, I'll give it a pass. The 2021 version is available on Tanotis but I don't know if that site can even be trusted.
2. Since I also intend to change the speakers very soon, probably Dali Oberon 3/5 , Focal Chora 806, Denton 85th or Triangle br08 , I am looking for matching amps, also I hear Marantz is not a good match for Wharfedales? So probably no Marantz amp.
3. Cambridge Audio CXA81, CXA61, Rotel A11 Tribute, Audiolab 6000A comes to mind, although some are out of my budget.
4. Not sure if the above amps will be significantly better than the SMSL stack. Compared to Quad Vena which is more or less the same as Leak Stereo 130, the smsl stack is much better to my liking in every way. Also, I read somewhere the Leak Stereo 130 and Audiolab 6000A share the same internals or some sort and are not too different in terms of sound?
5. Looking for the cheapest route, preferably used and under 60k if possible. Max budget 1 lakh, can stretch a bit, but I do not wish to spend more than 1L at this time.
6. USB DAC is also a must.
7. How is Emotiva TA-1? It has usb dac with sub out (LPF and HPF).
8. Regarding Cambridge Audio AXR85/100 , are these more or less the same as CXA61/81 series if I used a separate DAC?
9. Help

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