Hi all,
I watched Paul’s video and really like it. And then I come to this forum to seek you guys’ help to set up my first home audiophile system. Thanks in advance!
Here is my situation:
I’m currently owning a portable audiophile system, A&K Kann Cube + Campfire Solaris. I like it and now want to set up a stationary system. Because the Kann cube has XLR output (from its internal ESS 9038Pro DAC), I’m looking at an integrated amplifier with XLR input so that I can take advantage of my Kann cube.
On the other hand, I’m living in a apartment and the living room is about 16ft*13ft. So a pair of bookshelf speakers is good to me. The majority of my listening is instrumental music, particularly Al Hirt’s trumpet performance, and some live concert with a wide range in terms of genres. I have no idea about how to pick speakers. in my case, speakers focusing on high frequency is good to me (I guess, for trumpet sound)?
Would you please recommend some integrated amps with XLR input (<$3000) and a pair of speakers (<$1000) to me?
After long searches on internet, I’m interested in two options in terms of amps, Cambridge CXA81 and Stellar Strata here. The Strata is twice the price of the CXA81, but it might be worth of it. A good XLR input capable integrated amp without built-in DAC sounds very interesting to me because I can take advantage of my DMP while I may save me some money. For speakers, I’m looking at Focal 806. No idea on speakers.
Thank you!
Update on 01/10/2021
Finally I went with Cambridge CXA81 and a pair of Moon Audio Silver 300. Total cost is ~ $4K USD.
This setup is very affordable and I think it’s a good start point for a new audiophile like me. Really enjoy it! Thank you all and happy 2021!
J.