CA Stream Magic 6 or Naim N-172XS for B&W CM10?

[TB303]

Hello people,I'm building a new HiFi setup (for around £5k) and have a small dilemma, I'd love to gear your thoughts.

I'm only interested in streaming so this is where I start,

I auditioned the the SM6 (£700) and loved it (but without the B&W CM10's which RS don't carry) nand the Naim (£1,650) is good too. In any case I aim to plug them to a power amp (not sure which yet, probably a 200W Rotel RB-1582 (£1,200) or a CA Azur 851W £1,500).

The speakers I'm almost set on are B&W CM10 - I got a good offer on ex-demo pair) - but they'll need to be driven properly.

The difference in the two streamers is obviously that the Naim is more expensive but is a proper 'pre amp', in addition to streamers and Dac. I understand the SM6 also has a pre amp and can by used to drive a power amp - but presumably that bit will have lower quality than the Naim...Do I need a 'pre amp'? I only have one source and frankly the main job is to control the volume?The main questions is would there be any noticeable difference in quality and does it justify a £1,000 difference?

Please share your thoughts, many thanks.

 

[jjbomber]

I'd use a Cyrus Streamline 2 or a UnitiQute 2 for streaming and pre-amp duties if you want the Rotel power amp. Audition them against the Lyric and Naim Uniti 2 as all-in-one solutions. Enjoy.

 

[TB303]

Thanks,

What do you think specifically about the pre-Amp part - is the CA SM6 good enough?

Thanks,

 

[John Duncan]

I've had both in the house and I found the Naim slightly nicer sounding (fuller, more organic) and is *much* better built but I don't think I'd pay an extra grand for the difference.

The Naim phone/tablet app is better than the Cambridge one, but whether that's worth the extra to you only you can say. I think if I wanted a better user experience I'd plug a Sonos into the back of the Cambridge...

 

[TB303]

I've had both in the house and I found the Naim slightly nicer sounding (fuller, more organic) and is *much* better built but I don't think I'd pay an extra grand for the difference.

The Naim phone/tablet app is better than the Cambridge one, but whether that's worth the extra to you only you can say. I think if I wanted a better user experience I'd plug a Sonos into the back of the Cambridge...

Thanks Mate,

I see you kept the SM6. From the video of the app I saw I think it's fine and all my devices are iOS - I understand it's less good as an android app.

How would you rate the SM6 sound quality as a pre-amp?

I'm thinking of pluguing it diurcetly to a power amp (probably the 200W Rotel)

Do you think it would play nicer with CA power Amp? Sound quality wise?

Thanks!

 

[TB303]

Bump...

I'd appreciate more feedback, thanks!

 

[John Duncan]

Hi. Sorry have been unwell this week so haven't been keeping up very well.

I haven't really tried it as a preamp from an SQ point of view, though it clearly works functionally. I am hoping to try it like that in the next couple of weeks with some active monitors if you can wait.

 

[TB303]

Hi. Sorry have been unwell this week so haven't been keeping up very well. I haven't really tried it as a preamp from an SQ point of view, though it clearly works functionally. I am hoping to try it like that in the next couple of weeks with some active monitors if you can wait.

Sure,

I'd appreciate it!

Thanks!