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The new PowerNode2-I w/HDMI has a pretty reasonable 60w/ch, though Class-D. A very nice compact unit -
 POWERNODE 2i (with HDMI) The POWERNODE 2i is our multi-room high-fidelity streaming amplifier now with HDMI, just add speakers and turn it up  www.bluesound.com
It has two Optical In (3.5mm) and two Analog In (3.5mm), so it has a limited number of inputs, make sure that is enough to serve your needs. It does Audio Streaming, but not Video Streaming, make sure you have a source of Video Streaming if you need it.
Myself, I would prefer a full sized amp with Streaming or separate Streamer and Integrated Amp, but that is not going to be as compact as the PowerNode. That is something you will have to weigh for yourself.
Two Amps with Streaming to consider would be -
Yamaha RN602 Network Receiver, AM/FM, 80w/ch, Streaming, DAC, etc... - £350 -
Yamaha R-N602 Yamaha R-N602  petertyson.co.uk
 MusicCast R-N602 - Overview - Yamaha - UK and Ireland High sound quality Network HiFi Receiver with support for DSD 5.6MHz reproduction. Compatible with MusicCast and packed with network functions. Unlimited enjoyment of many different sound sources, including hi-res sources, smartphones and streaming services.  uk.yamaha.com
Yamaha RN803 Network Receiver, DAB/DAB , 100w/ch, Streaming, DAC, Room-EQ, Full Bass Management, etc... - £570 -
Yamaha R-N803D Network Amplifier Yamaha R-N803D petertyson.co.uk
 MusicCast R-N803D - Overview - Yamaha - UK and Ireland Created by tradition and progress uk.yamaha.com
The only thing these amps won't do is the new Apple Airpay-2, though they will do AirPlay-1. That only matters if you are using Apple products.
But as you can see you get Streaming and a pretty decent amp for considerably less than the Bluesound PowerNode (£799). But they are pretty bulky amps.
 Bluesound POWERNODE 2i V2 HDMI Hi-Res Wireless Music Streamer / Amplifier The amp reinvented. The POWERNODE 2i is the streaming amplifier that merges several traditional components into one and unlocks a world of high fidelity streaming, while effortlessly driving your choice of speakers.  www.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk
Bluesound products have a pretty high reputation, and the Powernode has sufficient power, but I would make sure it has the ability to accommodate any other connections you might have.
I would not consider any speakers that are low efficiency. Say with Sensitivity Ratings in the 85db to 87db. But as the approach and equal 90db, they are pretty efficient and 60w/ch should have no problem driving them.
The Oberon 5 are rated at 88db which is probably acceptable. The Acoustic Energy AE309 is rated at 89db, also again acceptable. I personally would not consider speaker rated any lower than these unless I had more power.
I'm seeing several places that have the AE309 for £999/pr. Oberon 5 are about £700/pr.
The AE309 seem to have won Best Speaker of 2019 and have consistently 5-Star ratings. DALI consistently makes good speakers, so I would expect good performance from them too.
I would at least give some thought to the Monitor Audio Bronze 5 (90db) speakers, though you have already chosen two very good speakers, but this might be an alternative to consider -
Monitor Audio Bronze 5 Rosemah Floorstanding Speakers (Pair) - Floorstanding Speakers - AV Online - UK Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists Standing just under a metre tall the Monitor Audio Bronze Five floorstanding speakers exude elegance and refinement and sound simply stunning.  www.audiovisualonline.co.uk
The Audiolab 6000a (£600) is good quality, but the power is modest. Still those who have bought the amp seem very pleased. The Rated Power is 50w/ch, and that is probably OK.
As to the other amps you listed, I would say that you need to focus on the features you need. Your specific needs direct you toward specific speakers and amps matter as much as or more than the product specs do.
For example, you mention Rega and Cambridge, nice amps, but they are not going to have Network Streaming, so that is going to cost you about £500 extra (Bluesound Node-2i).
Focus on YOURSELF, your specific needs, your specific circumstances, and your bugdet as much as you focus on the equipment itself. The Equipment above all has to serve your specific needs.
Just a few thoughts.
Steve/bluewizard |
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28-11-2019 02:36:43
Author
www.cyrusaudio.com
