R11 Metas + Cambridge Audio Evo 150

[brightontam]

I am an amateur/beginner audiophile, and have purchased a pair of R11 metas and paired with Evo 150 earlier this year.
I am very happy so far with the overall sound quality and user experience, however I'm wondering if I should upgrade to a better amp (all-in-one). I like the design and the simplicity of the Evo 150, especially the beautiful screen. Read about Hifi Rose RS520, and think it might be a potential upgrade. I am more towards the all-in-one with LCD screen path. All-in-one because I want to make it very easy for my wife.

May I have some suggestions from you guys. I listen to all sort of music, but mostly Jazz. Usually around 80db. Tidal>Spotify>TV.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Integralista]

Hi, you got amazing speakers. And yes Cambridge Audio Evo 150 like amp is just starting point for such speakers like you have. Your tip of streaming amp Hifi Rose 520 is very good one with the biggest display overal. I recommend to consider also Rotel RAS 5000, which is close in price to Hifi Rose with very good sound and NAD M33 from Master Series. NAD is more expensive here with smaller display. But sound and the app is excellent. Nad has huge knowhow. Another very good streaming amps like Cambridge Audio Edge A or Hegel H400 or Electrocompanient ECI 6 mk2 DX is even better but all come with simple or no display. My friend is using this "Electro" ECI 6mk2 dx amp with big Dynaudio Contour 60i speakers. For acoustic music, jazz, classic it is the best one I think from those mentioned here. Edge from Cambridge Audio is also very good but with no display at all...Looks like NAD or Hifi Rose are best tips here. BR

 

[brightontam]

Hi, you got amazing speakers. And yes Cambridge Audio Evo 150 like amp is just starting point for such speakers like you have. Your tip of streaming amp Hifi Rose 520 is very good one with the biggest display overal. I recommend to consider also Rotel RAS 5000, which is close in price to Hifi Rose with very good sound and NAD M33 from Master Series. NAD is more expensive here with smaller display. But sound and the app is excellent. Nad has huge knowhow. Another very good streaming amps like Cambridge Audio Edge A or Hegel H400 or Electrocompanient ECI 6 mk2 DX is even better but all come with simple or no display. My friend is using this "Electro" ECI 6mk2 dx amp with big Dynaudio Contour 60i speakers. For acoustic music, jazz, classic it is the best one I think from those mentioned here. Edge from Cambridge Audio is also very good but with no display at all...Looks like NAD or Hifi Rose are best tips here. BR

Thank you so much for the quick and detailed response! Love this forum.

 

[nopiano]

I slightly disagree with the previous reply. Objectively the Cambridge 150 has at least as good an amplifier stage as the Rose, even though the latter has fancy new tech. The Cambridge offers almost 14amps v the Rose a more modest 10amps, though both are quite adequate for domestic use.

Also, the R11 Meta are not a difficult load and they are quite sensitive at almost 90dB, so will fill a large space. Both amps are essentially class D designs of different provenance, the Cambridge one being more proven and widely used.

Therefore I don’t think there is potentially an upgrade so much as a different display, casing and brand. Don’t be fooled by the much higher price of the Rose. However, if you can audition at home you may prefer one or the other.

 

[brightontam]

I slightly disagree with the previous reply. Objectively the Cambridge 150 has at least as good an amplifier stage as the Rose, even though the latter has fancy new tech. The Cambridge offers almost 14amps v the Rose a more modest 10amps, though both are quite adequate for domestic use.

Also, the R11 Meta are not a difficult load and they are quite sensitive at almost 90dB, so will fill a large space. Both amps are essentially class D designs of different provenance, the Cambridge one being more proven and widely used.

Therefore I don’t think there is potentially an upgrade so much as a different display, casing and brand. Don’t be fooled by the much higher price of the Rose. However, if you can audition at home you may prefer one or the other.

Thank you very much for providing your insights with tech specs, maybe I really don’t need an upgrade at this point.

 

[twinkletoes]

Thank you very much for providing your insights with tech specs, maybe I really don’t need an upgrade at this point.

What is it that has given you to cause for concern? whats caused the itch to upgrade after a a year of ownership?

Other than price disparity between the speakers and the all one, if it's working it works. Is there better out there? for sure! but you'll pay alot alot more for it.

Your speaker run at 4ohms with a 3ohm dip so not altogether a very easy load for an amp to deal with so an argument could be made that an amp with a lot more guts would get better out of them. But you would have to listen to some options. I really dont know what it is with this current trend of manufactures making speakers really quite a substantial loads. Though they pretty sensitive at 90db.

If I was buying those speakers with the way I allocate budget id have spent the same again on just the amp alone if not shoving 10k up the back end of the kefs. My opinion is all! But puts it in perspective the upgrade potential you could put through these speakers.