Streaming amp advice

OverDrive · 11 Sep 2018 at 09:47

I'm hoping I can get some advice.

My current audio setup is a Monitor Audio A100 hooked up to a pair of B&W 685 S2 speakers.

I mainly use AirPlay and the optical input from my PC, also occasionally DLNA to steam FLAC files from my NAS.

The A100 sound quality is fantastic and very composed. However I have recently been feeling that I would like a little more bass with some music - nothing excessive though. I was wondering whether replacing the A100 with an amplifier that has dedicated bass and treble controls would be a way forward?

I was looking at the Yamaha R-N402D and R-N602D. These are classed as a network receivers rather than amplifiers, however from what I can see, they are both. They also have all the connectivity of the A100 with the addition of Bluetooth (with AAC support), a radio (FM, DAB and internet) and quite a few other features.

My questions are:

1. How would the Yamaha R-N402D or R-N602D compare to my Monitor Audio A100 in terms of sound quality?

2. The Yamahas are classed as a network receivers - I always thought that a network receiver was a separate component that you hook up to an amp. As this is an integrated device - would it deliver inferior sound quality?

3. Are there any other amps that I should consider for £300-400 - I don't mind buying used either.

Thank you.

lucid · 11 Sep 2018 at 10:44

I'm going to pick up on just point 2. "Receiver" has been used for donkey's years to describe a 2-channel stereo amplifier with integrated radio tuner.

We have AV receivers; these are multichannel AV amplifiers with a radio tuner.

A Network Receiver then is simply a stereo amp with radio tuner and network streaming.

There's a different import tariff for amplifiers with a radio tuner, hence why it's cheaper to buy a receiver rather than an amplifier.

OverDrive · 11 Sep 2018 at 11:45

Thank you lucid, I understand now.

lucid said:
There's a different import tariff for amplifiers with a radio tuner, hence why it's cheaper to buy a receiver rather than an amplifier.

That is interesting.

IvanDobskey · 11 Sep 2018 at 16:17

I have been looking at the Yamaha rn602 to potentially replace my Denon N9.

Having bought some decent speakers, I feel my N9 may not get the best out of them. Although, I have to say it sounds pretty decent to my ears.

The Yamaha seems to tick all the connectivity boxes and is decently priced too.

Also the older rn500 and newer rn803 seem to be very similar units.

Onkyo have the tx8150 also.

MrRockliffe · 11 Sep 2018 at 16:19

Perhaps consider putting the money towards a subwoofer instead - you'll get much better bass response over EQing a pair of 685 S2 (I own 685 S2s myself and tried to do the same thing).

OverDrive · 11 Sep 2018 at 17:07

IvanDobskey said:
The Yamaha seems to tick all the connectivity boxes and is decently priced too.

Agreed, the connectivity is certainly very good.

MrRockliffe said:
Perhaps consider putting the money towards a subwoofer instead - you'll get much better bass response over EQing a pair of 685 S2 (I own 685 S2s myself and tried to do the same thing).

I had thought about this as I believe the Monitor Audio A100 can accept a subwoofer. I don't really know anything about subwoofers though, or where to connect them. I do recall reading somewhere that they should be carefully paired with your amp and speakers to avoid ruining the sound.

Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks.

MrRockliffe · 12 Sep 2018 at 07:34

OverDrive said:
I had thought about this as I believe the Monitor Audio A100 can accept a subwoofer. I don't really know anything about subwoofers though, or where to connect them. I do recall reading somewhere that they should be carefully paired with your amp and speakers to avoid ruining the sound.

Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks.

You don't have to be that picky really. A decent sub is a decent sub, regardless of brand etc. It's probably one of the only parts of a system you can mix and match with other parts, as it's job is only producing bass.

What size room is it going in? Do you have neighbours?

IvanDobskey · 12 Sep 2018 at 10:25

I wouldn't bother with a sub personally. They are clunky, take up space and don't always marry up well with the other speakers timing wise.

If you must have deeper bass, get some better speakers. Bass is not the be all and end all though. My monitor audio bronze 5's are not the bassiest of speakers, but they sound great all the same.

OverDrive · 12 Sep 2018 at 11:12

MrRockliffe said:
What size room is it going in? Do you have neighbours?

My speakers are in a room of 4 x 3.5 m with a solid wooden floor - fully detached house, so no neighbours in close proximity.

IvanDobskey said:
If you must have deeper bass, get some better speakers.

I've been really happy with the 685 S2s - they do have reasonable bass that really comes through with some music - but I do miss some of the deeper lows. The Bronze 5's do look like nice floor standers.

MrRockliffe · 12 Sep 2018 at 11:26

OverDrive said:
My speakers are in a room of 4 x 3.5 m with a solid wooden floor - fully detached house, so no neighbours in close proximity.

In which case, I highly recommend something like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BK-Elect...139264&hash=item1a5cae2cfd:g:n9EAAOSwWxNYsF2M

It's a monster sub, and will easily fill your room with bass. The seller has numerous other versions of it, so feel free to find one that suits your taste

OverDrive · 12 Sep 2018 at 12:14

Wow - that certainly is a monster!

I was just after a modest increase in the lows though

Thanks

MrRockliffe · 12 Sep 2018 at 12:21

OverDrive said:
Wow - that certainly is a monster!

I was just after a modest increase in the lows though

Thanks

Would you be after something a little smaller? Take a look at the REL Tzero, or the B&W ASW608. Both are fab subwoofers, having heard both personally. I ended up going for a second hand PV1 as it had a little more reach.

OverDrive · 13 Sep 2018 at 11:51

Thanks for the reply. I quite like the ASW608. The REL subs also seem to be highly regarded.

Regarding connection. My Monitor Audio A100 amplifier has left and right RCA outputs labled as ‘ANALOGUE PRE OUT’. The manual states that these can be used for connecting a sub.

What cable would be best to use, and do I connect both the left and right to the left and right RCA inputs on the sub? Or just pick either left or right?

Thanks, sorry about the noob questions.

MrRockliffe · 13 Sep 2018 at 12:06

OverDrive said:
Thanks for the reply. I quite like the ASW608. The REL subs also seem to be highly regarded.

Regarding connection. My Monitor Audio A100 amplifier has left and right RCA outputs labled as ‘ANALOGUE PRE OUT’. The manual states that these can be used for connecting a sub.

What cable would be best to use, and do I connect both the left and right to the left and right RCA inputs on the sub? Or just pick either left or right?

Thanks, sorry about the noob questions.

Not noob questions at all - I had the very same questions myself.

You should be able to connect a single RCA cable to either side, and then connect that to the sub. It doesn't specify in the manual which side you should connect it to, so it shouldn't matter

IvanDobskey · 13 Sep 2018 at 12:07

OverDrive said:
I've been really happy with the 685 S2s - they do have reasonable bass that really comes through with some music - but I do miss some of the deeper lows. The Bronze 5's do look like nice floor standers.

The B&W's are good speakers, I read a lot of good things about them.

Very pleased with the bronze 5's so far. Definitely not the bassiest of speakers, but have far more bottom end and depth than my previous 2020i's.

OverDrive · 13 Sep 2018 at 12:28

Thank you.

Just out of curiosity, what would happen if both L and R are connected to the sub? Not planning on doing this btw.

MrRockliffe · 13 Sep 2018 at 12:28

OverDrive said:
Thank you.

Just out of curiosity, what would happen if both L and R are connected to the sub? Not planning on doing this btw.

I think it'd probably just be a little louder, if nothing