![]() The kicker? Notifications do come over the speakers but I can live with that. I had a Node 2021 and imho the sound of Amazon HD using LDAC is much better than this. "What?" I hear you ask, "no streamer?" Well, that's because the SQ over bluetooth is so good that I think it's redundant. The other part of the curve ball is you won't need to invest in a streamer. The Zen One is small, discreet, has a wide range inputs and sounds superb (well, I think so at least). Here's a slightly curve ball suggestion: get an ifi Zen One Signature DAC and put it together with the amp of your choice. I haven't heard the Dali Menuet so I can' comment on those. The ribbon tweeter brings almost holographic imaging, and it's a well balanced design all-round - much more so than the older 11L and 12L models (which were very competent). If you want to try something less expensive, but extremely talented, I very much enjoyed the Quad S2. They're not speakers with big personality, rather they major on even response across the frequency range, clarity and tonal accuracy. Spendor A1 (which I've also had) are IMO a better all-rounder and less fussy about placement due to their sealed box/infinite baffle design. If there's any young fingers around be aware that grilles are not available for this model or the LSX. Speaker-wise, the LS50 Meta (which I've had) are very good, but they're fussy about placement and I didn't find them as 'alive' sounding as the Q series. It can sound as good as any other, but operationally it falls short, including the lack of ability for gapless playback. I would avoid anything with DTS PlayFi as its streaming solution. I have owned a PowerNode 2i, and found it to be far more capable than I expected, so well worthy of audition. Yamaha N803D - stereo receiver with MusicCast built-in. Marantz PM7000N - another amp with HEOS built-in. If you absolutely have to have streaming functionality built in to the amp I'd suggest the following for audition:ĭenon PMA-900he - a new model with HEOS built-in. The Brio has no digital functionality whatsoever. There is, of course, also the option of the Cyrus ONE Chromecast. The aptX Bluetooth is very well implemented on the Cyrus and sounds superb, so that could be an alternative to in-built streaming. The Cyrus is not bright - it's very nicely balanced and it also usefully adapts to the impedance of the speakers being used. I have both here, and they are both very capable amplifiers. Neither the Brio or Cyrus ONE HD have in-built streaming functionality. I'm not an audiophile but I am looking for better quality sound (both TV and music) and I also want to get the best for my budget. At the moment I only have a Bose Sound bar in the lounge for both TV and streaming music to. My use will be both TV watching/listening as well as streaming from my Spotify playlists. The mid sized amp is needed because it has to fit inside the TV cabinet - max width 40cm. But I want to compare the bigger brothers for each. The Dali won hands down - clear, beautiful sound compared to a more dull, almost muffled, sound from the LSX. ![]() I originally started looking at lower priced active speakers and, not being able to afford the KEF LS50 Wireless, I tested the KEF LSX against the Dali Oberon C. The KEFs also review well and I'm keen to compare it to the Dalis. ![]() Now, some explanation on my selection.my wife says she is not that interested and happy for me to decide but at the same time asking for a discreet speaker size!! Hence the compact Dali Menuets which review really well and look stunning. They'll need to work for TV and Spotify streaming in a large lounge. Other options I will try to test are the Bluesound Powernode and the Rega Brio.Īny advice on what to look out for? I'm reading the Cyrus is bright and so might not pair well with the bright Dalis? As I can't test them at the same time as the Cyrus, any advice on the Powernode or Brio as alternatives, and what pairs well with what? I'll be looking to arrange a home demo if I like what I hear and if I can also get a Brio or Powernode to compare. ![]() The demo is this week and the retailer will pair them with the Cyrus One HD - their only mid sized option within my budget. After looking at reviews and checking out some of the relevant threads I've decided to demo the Dali Menuets (possibly also the Dali Opticon 2s for comparison) and the KEF LS50 Metas. I'm looking for speakers and a mid sized streaming amp for my lounge (6x5m with high ceiling) with a budget of up to £2000. ![]()
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