Setup suggestion

[fjanisze]

Hello,

I might use some help from someone that has a better understanding of the matter, I'm struggling to decide on how to proceed with my first Hi-Fi tiny setup (Tiny due to budget and space in my apartment), and my options are:

• NAD C700
• Yamaha MultiCast WXC-50 + Rotel RB-1552 MkII
• Just go cheap and easy and get a Bluesound Powernode

For both, I plan to buy a pair of ELAC Uni-Fi Reference B6 and a Yamaha NS-SW100 Subwoofer (That most probably will use while watching a movie, from time to time).

I was reading that in general having a real amplifier (instead of a device that does it all, source+amplification) is better in terms of quality, that's why I did opt for the Yamaha MultiCast + Rotel Amp as a second choice for the setup, in theory, it should have better quality and it should allow me in the future to extend or improve the setup, with better speakers.

I plan mostly to listen to music from streaming services, and I want to have the setup connected to my PC (which will run Tidal or will work as a movie player), other connectivity options are nice to have and I'm sure I'll use the mobile app quite a lot as well.

Well, I guess my real question is: Does it make sense to go with the WXC-50 + The Amp, or there's not too much quality improvement if compared with the C700?

Thanks a lot

 

[Al ears]

The issue is you mention using a subwoofer for movies.... Not too sure how you plan to implement this.

 

[fjanisze]

The issue is you mention using a subwoofer for movies.... Not too sure how you plan to implement this.

Hmm, both the NAD C700 and the Yamaha WXC-50 seems to have a subwoofer output (assuming active sub like the Yamaha ns-sw100) , if my pc plays the movie and I stream the audio to one of those two devices (I’ve a usb to spifd converter) then it should work.. I guess 😅

 

[nopiano]

I agree that the traditional Rotel power amp is potentially more versatile than the NAD with its modern class D amp, though the NAD probably has a better interface if you’re using an app.

The Yamaha has been well regarded but for a streaming device it’s getting on a bit. It must be 7 years old now, so check it handles all the services you want - like, say, Spotify - as well as the input sockets. Would be worth checking with your dealer the match with the Rotel sensitivity as your volume control is in the Yamaha.

 

[fjanisze]

Thanks for the comments, I was at the shop and asked the same questions I posted here, and they politely told me given the budget the c700 is probably the all-around better option.

Sure, a separate amp will bring more quality to the setup, but then I'll need something a bit more expensive than the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference B6, also the WXC-50 is getting a bit outdated. Also, the C700 can be used as source and preamp is one day i decide to buy a separate amp.

Does that make sense?

 

[matthewpianist]

Thanks for the comments, I was at the shop and asked the same questions I posted here, and they politely told me given the budget the c700 is probably the all-around better option.

Sure, a separate amp will bring more quality to the setup, but then I'll need something a bit more expensive than the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference B6, also the WXC-50 is getting a bit outdated. Also, the C700 can be used as source and preamp is one day i decide to buy a separate amp.

Does that make sense?

Makes a lot of sense to me, and NAD's current kit is very impressive - probably what I would have if I wasn't so happy with the LEAK stuff.

 

[nopiano]

Thanks for the comments, I was at the shop and asked the same questions I posted here, and they politely told me given the budget the c700 is probably the all-around better option.

Sure, a separate amp will bring more quality to the setup, but then I'll need something a bit more expensive than the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference B6, also the WXC-50 is getting a bit outdated. Also, the C700 can be used as source and preamp is one day i decide to buy a separate amp.

Does that make sense?

Yes. I almost said I’d choose the NAD - but wanted to set out the pros and cons and let you decide. I wouldn’t say that you need more expensive speakers, but NAD or Rotel could handle better ones if your funds allow.