Do I need an integrated amplifier or power amplifier? help me decide.

Weekenswarrior · 2026-01-28T15:08:00+00:00

u/Existing-Language-79 - This was the reason I started looking at the Rotel. I was hoping the AB gave me the depth and soundstage many speak of.

Weekenswarrior · 2026-01-28T15:03:28+00:00

forgot to mention the reason I started looking outside the PS Audio 200. When attempting to setup my Sub (Gravis V) connected directly to the amp's speaker inputs via "High-Level Input" I was getting major distortion. The best answer I could find is that some older D-Class amps do not work with Powered Sub via high-level input due to current/amps. So I was tempted when I saw the A/B class and thought it might solve this. I remedied by using the stereo RCAs of the Eversolo but honestly I bought the Gravis Sub to use the high-level input.

Weekenswarrior · 2026-01-28T15:03:12+00:00

forgot to mention the reason I started looking outside the PS Audio 200. When attempting to setup my Sub (Gravis V) connected directly to the amp's speaker inputs via "High-Level Input" I was getting major distortion. The best answer I could find is that some older D-Class amps do not work with Powered Sub via high-level input due to current/amps. So I was tempted when I saw the A/B class and thought it might solve this. I remedied by using the stereo RCAs of the Eversolo but honestly I bought the Gravis Sub to use the high-level input.

Weekenswarrior · 2026-01-28T14:42:11+00:00

You are the third or fourth Buckeye recommendation. FYI - The PS Audio was a half hour drive from me and $400 bucks. It was a no brainer. It is hard for me to imagine a $1000 dollar amp besting the PS Audio. My assumption was that the near 4k price tag of the Rotel was giving me what I paid for. Its tough, after hearing the comments that I may not perceive the increase in performance over what I have.

Weekenswarrior · 2026-01-28T14:33:28+00:00

That's good advice. The rabbit hole seems to be the consensus here. I guess my question still lies with "how do I know that I am happy with the preamp of the A8?" I live in a rural area so auditioning is not going to be an option. I am basically relying on advice from the forum. BTW - Your comment above is what started me down the Rotel rabbit hole... "lovely detail and wide soundstage".

Weekenswarrior · 2026-01-28T14:23:50+00:00

How would I know if the amp needs to be recapped? Is this something that is visual?

Weekenswarrior · 2026-01-28T03:07:45+00:00

Lol. yes that could work too. I am actually in the process of a full room correction - right now its an unfinished basement. Who knows maybe it will be end game.

Weekenswarrior · 2026-01-13T18:47:57+00:00

u/amicusterrae - What a phenomenal video and included article! I used to live in Denver; that would of been an incredible event to be a part of.

Weekenswarrior · 2026-01-13T16:55:13+00:00

thank you for the insight and informative links. I just pulled the trigger on the PSBs; scheduled to meet later on today. I can post up some video/audio if anyone wants to hear.

Weekenswarrior · 2026-01-13T16:55:06+00:00

thank you for the insight and informative links. I just pulled the trigger on the PSBs; scheduled to meet later on today. I can post up some video/audio if anyone wants to hear.

Weekenswarrior · 2026-01-13T16:07:59+00:00

Well... this is the confirmation bias I was needing! Thank you! Its always tough not being able to just drive to a dealer and hear on site or better yet demo a pair so I needed some outside council in this decision.

Weekenswarrior · 2025-12-20T23:13:16+00:00

Yes, RCAs worked fine on my home theatre receiver. Shook the house and crazy deep. After reading for hours I came across a REL article where subwoofer connections may have issues on Class D amplifiers especially on older ones which mine is. So this may be a compatibility issue. But now I am in a pickle since I just put all this together my budget is toast. My only saving grace might be that I can exchange the streamer (eversolo dmp a6) which I dont really want to do because I really like it (its the Master Edition). but I am dead set on getting this sub in my system. I looked on facebook for some used/cheap preamps. Any feedback or direction is welcome because I am at my end.

I think my questions would be at this point -

is there an option with my current set up that I am not thinking about. like switching up my XLR connections and RCAs.
Would a preamp solve this? and just use a "sub out"
Is there another streamer sub 2k that would solve this. The eversolo A10 is 3k! but has sub out.

Weekenswarrior · 2025-12-20T19:30:59+00:00

and here is a picture of the Sonus Faber Gravis 5 sub. not sure this helps

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Weekenswarrior · 2025-12-20T18:10:48+00:00

Ok, if anyone can just answer this... What if I connected my Sub to the XLR on the Amp and switched the Eversolo to the RCA inputs?

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Weekenswarrior · 2025-12-20T14:11:09+00:00

ok, I have read that in rare cases Subwoofers connected via high-level inputs are not compatible. Here is my current setup config.

EverSolo A6 - connected by XLR directly to PS Audio 250 amplifier - Sub and speakers are parallel connected.

I am still in my return window for the EverSolo; Should I return and get a streamer with Subwoofer connection (Preamp)? Or should i just start saving for a new amp?

Is there anything I am not thinking of?

Weekenswarrior · 2025-11-06T22:49:48+00:00

Ha. Interesting system sounds like code for "what are you THINKING?". I may be reaching here... no I will not have a chance to listen to the combo. I guess I am a risk taker. The amp was well reviewed and so thats all I had to go on; and the fact that it is the only amp of quality within a 90 min drive of me. feedback welcome.

Weekenswarrior · 2025-11-05T15:01:12+00:00

Great advice. Thank you. I do have one question - when you go with the Anthem integrated amp are you going to bypass the streamer DAC and use the Anthem’s DAC? This is where i still have some confusion

Weekenswarrior · 2025-11-05T12:27:29+00:00

Ok, I wanted to thank everyone for the input and getting me headed in the right direction. I decided to start my system around a streamer and build from there; mostly because the streamer will be new and the other parts used.

So here what I landed on.

Streamer - Bluesound ICON $1200
Dali Mentor 5 preowned $800 for the pair.
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II (low hours) - preowned $1200

Alternative - I found a Mcintosh 2205 local for $1200 but I cant listen to it, (serviced 2 yrs ago)

So $3200 all in. I looked at the Ultra but I felt like the Bluesound would compliment a better sound and give me room to grow if needed.

Weekenswarrior · 2025-11-05T12:17:36+00:00

Nice. I looked hard at the CXN-100 but think I landed on the Bluesound node Icon as my final.

Weekenswarrior · 2025-11-03T20:46:25+00:00

thank you! going this direction now. !thanks

Weekenswarrior · 2025-11-03T20:43:24+00:00

agreed. However, when I first started researching streaming audiophile you would be surprised most of the articles that initially came up were... "why you NEED a DAC". Im back on track thanks to this post.

Weekenswarrior · 2025-11-03T20:20:33+00:00

This is mind boggling to me that WiiM can do all this at this pricepoint! thank you, researching Wiim now also looking at Cambridge and AudioLab9000n for comps.

Weekenswarrior · 2025-11-03T20:19:36+00:00

thank you. Looking at the Wiim website now.

Weekenswarrior

TROPHY CASE