What's the best pairing for Wharfedale Evo 4.4 speakers?

[Shillocks]

Hi all. After 10 years with my trusty current setup of Monitor Audio Bronze BX2, Marantz PM6003, CD6003 and Rega planar 2. I am finally looking to upgrade. I've got my heart set on the Wharfedale Evo 4.4 speakers. However I'm not sure what the best amplifier pairing would be. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations? Nowadays I mainly stream my music for convinience but when in the mood I still love to pop on a CD or some vinyl. My music taste is mainly rock and folk if that helps.

 

[Shillocks]

I should probably add that my budget is up to £1000.

 

[Al ears]

I should probably add that my budget is up to £1000.

What makes you think you will need to change your current amplifier?

 

[Shillocks]

I suppose I hadn't thought about that. I assumed that buying considerably more expensive and hopefully better speakers warranted an upgrade to the amplification. My current setup has served me well but since moving to a larger property the sound doesn't feel as big anymore, especially at lower volumes.

 

[plastic penguin]

Hi all. After 10 years with my trusty current setup of Monitor Audio Bronze BX2, Marantz PM6003, CD6003 and Rega planar 2. I am finally looking to upgrade. I've got my heart set on the Wharfedale Evo 4.4 speakers. However I'm not sure what the best amplifier pairing would be. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations? Nowadays I mainly stream my music for convinience but when in the mood I still love to pop on a CD or some vinyl. My music taste is mainly rock and folk if that helps.

Firstly, the Marantz should be fine as long as you don't need to play at nightclub levels.

More of a pressing question is why are you going from a compact standmounted speaker in the BX2 to the largest floorstander in the range? They offer two standmounts and a compact floorstanding speaker (4.1, 4.2 & 4.3). Those smaller speakers would seem more suitable.

 

[Al ears]

Firstly, the Marantz should be fine as long as you don't need to play at nightclub levels.

More of a pressing question is why are you going from a compact standmounted speaker in the BX2 to the largest floorstander in the range? They offer two standmounts and a compact floorstanding speaker (4.1, 4.2 & 4.3). Those smaller speakers would seem more suitable.

Note he does say he has moved to a bigger property.....

 

[Al ears]

I suppose I hadn't thought about that. I assumed that buying considerably more expensive and hopefully better speakers warranted an upgrade to the amplification. My current setup has served me well but since moving to a larger property the sound doesn't feel as big anymore, especially at lower volumes.

Odd though it may seem the Wharfdales ( nice looking speakers in my opinion) are very nearly as efficient as your MA's so current amp should drive them just fine.
Should you really want to spend out on a new one I would recommend you try to audition:-
1/ Marantz PM8006 £924, if you like the Marantz house sound.
2/ Rega Elex-R £949 if you want fast and agile with good phono stage
3/ or my personal favourite, the Creek Evolution 50A with optional Sequel Mk3 phono board £929

 

[Shillocks]

Thanks very much for your reply. Our old living room was very small (think tiny cottage) and the new places living room is practically twice the size. The bass on the Monitor Audios gets a bit lost in the larger room hence the move for something bigger. Again thanks for the recommendations. I hadn't looked at the Rega or Creek amp so that gives me something else to look at. I really quite enjoy the research.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks very much for your reply. Our old living room was very small (think tiny cottage) and the new places living room is practically twice the size. The bass on the Monitor Audios gets a bit lost in the larger room hence the move for something bigger. Again thanks for the recommendations. I hadn't looked at the Rega or Creek amp so that gives me something else to look at. I really quite enjoy the research.

Have fun!

 

[rainsoothe]

I'll +1 the Rega and the Creek, and add the Cyrus One HD to the list. Or a Naim Nait 5si (Naim amplification is a "must audition" for any fan of rock music, imo).

 

[Al ears]

I'll +1 the Rega and the Creek, and add the Cyrus One HD to the list. Or a Naim Nait 5si (Naim amplification is a "must audition" for any fan of rock music, imo).

The Nait 5si would be over budget in UK which is why I didn't mention it,. Unless you can find an ex-demo or open box.

 

[plastic penguin]

Note he does say he has moved to a bigger property.....

Whoops. Missed that bit.
I know the OP seems to be attracted to the EVOs, I would look to see if he can eek more out of his current speakers.

Last year I heard some Kef R300 powered by a £300 Yamaha integrated in a large room. They sounded really good -- room fillers. They sounded much better on my amp.

I would suggest something like a Pulse or Creek or Roksan Kandy will give the BX2 more heft than his Marantz 6003.

 

[Al ears]

Whoops. Missed that bit.
I know the OP seems to be attracted to the EVOs, I would look to see if he can eek more out of his current speakers.

Last year I heard some Kef R300 powered by a £300 Yamaha integrated in a large room. They sounded really good -- room fillers. They sounded much better on my amp.

I would suggest something like a Pulse or Creek or Roksan Kandy will give the BX2 more heft than his Marantz 6003.

I'd agree it could be a way to go however it might depend on the actual size of his new listening room, the BX2 will only fill so much even with the likes of these amps

 

[rainsoothe]

The Nait 5si would be over budget in UK which is why I didn't mention it,. Unless you can find an ex-demo or open box.

Isn't it exactly 1k?

 

[Al ears]

Isn't it exactly 1k?

No, normally £1149 but I have seen one for £1099

 

[rainsoothe]

No, normally £1149 but I have seen one for £1099

Ouch! Well, maybe ex-dem or something, I mean it's really worth auditioning. (In my area, ex-dem ones go for well under 900.

 

[Al ears]

Ouch! Well, maybe ex-dem or something, I mean it's really worth auditioning. (In my area, ex-dem ones go for well under 900.

There are a few ex display going for around £879 which might be a good deal.