R11 Metas + Cambridge Audio Evo 150

[gasolin]

Mabye Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 if it has enough power (60/120 watt)

It's not at all as expensive as the Lyngdorf TDAI3400

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

Mabye Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 if it has enough power (60/120 watt)

It's not at all as expensive as the Lyngdorf TDAI3400

I went TDAI-3400 as OP wanted to get to price comparative components to his speakers

 

[RJW232]

Be aware that if you want a significant improvement over de EVO150, the price of a new amp will be in a completely different league. At least Hegel 400 territory.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

Be aware that if you want a significant improvement over de EVO150, the price of a new amp will be in a completely different league. At least Hegel 400 territory.

You really believe that ? I’d like to know the reasoning.. Genuinely…..

 

[brightontam]

I have to remind everyone here again that I am very new to this hobby. I see debates and comments everywhere regarding Class AB and Class D amplifier designs, and I have done some research on the definition of the two. But what exactly is the sonic difference here? I found no answer at all on the internet.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

I have to remind everyone here again that I am very new to this hobby.

The ONLY way you will ever find out is by demonstrating multiple options in a blind test…
Only then will you know what you prefer.
I prefer my CA EXA set up to my EVO set up but the EVO does a great job in my wee snug (music and TV)…
The EXA is just more expressive and has more grunt, more soundstage and just more more….. The speakers arguaBly have a bigger effect……

If I had R11 Metas then I would be looking to match my expenditure on an amp and select the best option for streaming to meet my preferred music stream provider…

In saying that, however, I do reckon the EVO150 you have ought to be divine through your R11’s…

The NAD M33 would definitely be a step up also as previously suggested….mmmmmmm….I must resist myself !

 

[Stuart.W.D]

. 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.

I listen to all sort of music, but mostly Jazz. Usually around 80db. Tidal>Spotify>TV.
Thanks in advance.

The Evo 150 can drive the KEF R11 Metas and should be more than sufficient for most listening environments. Whether the Evo 150 brings the speakers to their full potential is dependent on various factors like your room size, your listening preferences, and how much you value absolute audio fidelity and refinement. The Evo 150 is a good match for the R11 Metas but could be a step below some high-end amplifiers and streamers that focus more on synergy and extracting every last bit of detail and performance.

Potential Improvements with streaming Dac amplifiers!

If you're looking to push the KEF R11 Metas to their full potential with a different combination , here are two suggestions to demo down the road!

1. The Hegel H390 Integrated amplifier offers an exceptional level of control, power, and transparency.
The H390 has more control than the Evo 150 and its musicality, precision, and dynamic range are top-tier for audiophile setups.

2. The NAD M33 is another excellent choice, especially with its hybrid digital amplification. It offers superb sound quality with tight control, especially in the bass, making it ideal for the KEF R11 Metas, which can benefit from a controlled low end.
The M33 also features Dirac Live room correction, which can optimise sound for your specific environment, giving an additional layer of performance!

 

[nopiano]

But what exactly is the sonic difference here? I found no answer at all on the internet.

You’ll find lots of opinions and several stereotypes. I’ve owned three different Class D designs - Primare, Nord Hypex, Fosi. And numerous Class AB from Krell, Musical Fidelity, Sansui, Harman/kardon, etc. And one pure Class A, by Pass Labs.

No longer would I think any reliable description of sound characteristics by design is possible, other than generalisations. Far more of what you hear depends upon your room, furnishings, speakers and setup.

You may well prefer another brand of amplifier but that probably won’t be because it’s a particular class. I agree with @Stuart.W.D above that Hegel and NAD offer two excellent contemporary designs. I’d only note that the Hegel H390 has been superseded by the H400, and that KEF do demo their speakers with Hegel.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

An H400 demonstration with the R11 could be an expensive experiment 😛

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

 

[nopiano]

An H400 demonstration with the R11 could be an expensive experiment 😛

Yes, the H400has shot up in price, like so many other from Rotel Michi, Luxman and suchlike. A H390 a couple of years old would be 95% as good for close to half the price.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

Yes, the H400has shot up in price, like so many other from Rotel Michi, Luxman and suchlike. A H390 a couple of years old would be 95% as good for close to half the price.

Indeed. Refer above…..

 

[Al ears]

Indeed. Refer above…..

Nothing wrong with buying an ex demo as long as they throw in some warranty.
also anyone with an H390 in their system is probably not going to distinguish it from an H400. Noticeable difference will be seen in their bank account however.

 

[manicm]

If you don't mind the size difference and price you might wanna look at a Yamaha R -N2000A, it's got pretty much everything you could ever need including YPAO and vu meters

View attachment 8150

From what I've read the YPAO is crap. Best left off.

 

[manicm]

EVO’s not that bad. It’s just nowhere near a really well thought out AB design..
Another couple of amps to consider for your speakers would be Lyngdorf TDAI3400 as an all in one but classs D again…
Small box solution could also be the new Cyprus 40 amp, streamer and power supply. I’ve not demonstrated them yet though…

That was a rubbish review of the Evo 150. And note he's a deleted user. The Evo 150 is a universally acclaimed system, is beautiful, comprehensive, and has all the facilities one could require.

 

[manicm]

The Evo 150 can drive the KEF R11 Metas and should be more than sufficient for most listening environments. Whether the Evo 150 brings the speakers to their full potential is dependent on various factors like your room size, your listening preferences, and how much you value absolute audio fidelity and refinement. The Evo 150 is a good match for the R11 Metas but could be a step below some high-end amplifiers and streamers that focus more on synergy and extracting every last bit of detail and performance.

Potential Improvements with streaming Dac amplifiers!

If you're looking to push the KEF R11 Metas to their full potential with a different combination , here are two suggestions to demo down the road!

1. The Hegel H390 Integrated amplifier offers an exceptional level of control, power, and transparency.
The H390 has more control than the Evo 150 and its musicality, precision, and dynamic range are top-tier for audiophile setups.

2. The NAD M33 is another excellent choice, especially with its hybrid digital amplification. It offers superb sound quality with tight control, especially in the bass, making it ideal for the KEF R11 Metas, which can benefit from a controlled low end.
The M33 also features Dirac Live room correction, which can optimise sound for your specific environment, giving an additional layer of performance!

My problem with the M33 is that it is indeed Dirac ready - except that you have to indeed pay for Dirac, and that the software is essential to get the best out of the NAD.

One wonders if you're paying for Dirac and getting the amp free? I'm being facetious, but apparently the M33 by itself hits all the right notes but is a little soulless. And Dirac brings it to life somewhat.

 

[nopiano]

Indeed. Refer above…..

Snap! Looks like we posted at the same time!

 

[Al ears]

My problem with the M33 is that it is indeed Dirac ready - except that you have to indeed pay for Dirac, and that the software is essential to get the best out of the NAD.

One wonders if you're paying for Dirac and getting the amp free? I'm being facetious, but apparently the M33 by itself hits all the right notes but is a little soulless. And Dirac brings it to life somewhat.

Not sure how an amp can be soulless. Presumably dirac only helps with room correction so unless there's a problem with your room it will make no difference to the amp itself.

 

[manicm]

Not sure how an amp can be soulless. Presumably dirac only helps with room correction so unless there's a problem with your room it will make no difference to the amp itself.

Correction, Dirac is included up to 500hz. And optionally thereafter or for LE when multiple subwoofers are used.

Regardless, even if you think your room is perfect, I would say that testing with Dirac is almost mandatory. It's the best room correction software, probably second only to Linn's more sophisticated and involved Space Optimisation.