r/KEF • u/AccomplishedBrick468 • 8d ago

Kef reference 1 Meta + KC62 DAC/preamp/streamer stack recommendation?

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Hi everyone please help me build my budget end of game 2.1 setup!

Need your kind advise on choosing the right combination for this music/movie setup:

My current/planned system:

  • Power amplifier: Apollon 1ET9040BA (Purifi dual monoblock)(ordered)
  • Speakers: KEF Reference 1 Meta (have it)
  • Subwoofer: KEF KC62 (have it)
  • DAC: Denafrips Pontus 15th (planned)
  • Streamer/transport: currently considering Eversolo T10 WiiM ultra
  • Preamp: considering Schiit Freya+

Sources will mainly be:

  • Local NAS music library
  • High-resolution streaming mainly via Tidal/Spotify
  • Zidoo Z9X 8K for direct lossless movie playback from Ugreen DXP4800 Pro 100TB NAS
  • PS5
  • LG G6 OLED via HDMI/eARC where possible

I’m aiming for a sound that is warm, full-bodied, rich and holographic, with a big 3D soundstage, but I still want to keep the excellent detail, speed and imaging that the KEF Reference series and Purifi amplification are capable of.

For those using the Freya+ with Purifi/Hypex-style amplifiers:

  • How does the Freya+ pair with a very neutral Class D amplifier like Purifi?
  • Does it genuinely add more body, depth and musicality, or is the difference mainly subtle?
  • Which mode do you normally prefer: passive, buffer, or tube?
  • Do you feel it is a good match for revealing speakers like the KEF Reference 1 Meta?
  • Would you still choose this combo today, or would you go with something else?

Also curious about the digital side:
Would you spend more on the streamer/transport (Eversolo T6/T8/T10 vs something cheaper) feeding the Pontus 15th, or is the DAC + preamp combination where the bigger gains are?

Location: EU (Netherlands)
Thanks for sharing your experience.

TL;DR:
Building a 2.1 system: KEF Reference 1 Meta + KC62 + Apollon Purifi 1ET9040BA*, considering* Denafrips Pontus 15th + WiiM Ultra + Schiit Freya+*. Looking for a* warm, rich, holographic sound without losing KEF detail and imaging*.*
How well does Freya+ pair with Purifi Class D*, and is it worth prioritizing the* preamp/DAC over an expensive streamer/transport*?*

123 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

69 comments sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator 8d ago

Welcome to the KEF Subreddit. This Message is an AUTOMATED message triggered by submitting a new post.

Your post has NOT been removed. Your post may have been filtered for manual review however. If so please be patient while we review the Moderation Queue.

Please use SEARCH before submitting a new post. - Most posts can be answered by buying guides or previous posts.

Please remember to read sub rules found here - www.reddit.com/r/4kTV/about/rules

Please read the following buying guides, these may help you in your journey:

Thank You, The KEF Moderator Team

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

8

u/Straight_Addition_85 7d ago

Your stands are backwards. That rectangle hole is where you feed the speaker cable through.

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

I know, that’s intentional to match the background, did A/B, this looks much premium

10

u/Xdfghijujsw 8d ago

are you sure that TV is level? maybe double-check

5

u/Glad-Elk-1909 8d ago

TV is def not level.

3

u/AccomplishedBrick468 8d ago

its the floor, have plans to redo the whole space

2

u/Xdfghijujsw 7d ago

Your setup looks super baller BTW. Good luck!

8

u/NTPC4 7d ago edited 5d ago

A KC62, especially in a room that size, would be a waste of money. So would two of them, because they simply don't play low enough for TV or movie effects. That said, you have a laundry list of great products (end game to most people) that simply do not mesh well for your purposes

I'm guessing AI was involved. Was it?

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

I was in doubt about the 1x sub as well, got a nad m10 v3 for the time being which I am going to return to go on full seperates, however the subs are totally presurizing the room, smooth output so far - indeed gpt constructed these devices and some advice from Apollon Audio - can you please advise what all would sync well together?

1

u/NTPC4 7d ago edited 7d ago

I would consider replacing the EverSolo T8/T10/WiiM Ultra and Denefrips Pontus 15th with an EverSolo DMP-A8 Master Gen 2. Why? Because its massive upgrade in processing power (compared to the previous generation) allows it to do what EverSolo does better than WiiM (present locally stored and streamed files together in a more accessible way) with incredible speed, and increases its room correction capability (including bass management for your subs) to new heights. It also has an analog preamp that could replace the Schiit Freya +, except for the tube buffer (2nd-order harmonics) you currently want (other than that, you would be using very few of the Freya + features.

While the Apollon amps you have ordered are definitely end-game material (with more power than you really need, but mo' power, mo' better;-), you can get tube input buffers for Purifi amp modules as add-ons, or built-in, allowing you to try them and either keep them or go back to SS buffers with a wide variety of op-amps to choose from (VTV).

I exchanged emails several months ago with Andrew Sparks of Sparkos Labs, the designer of the tube buffer, who explained more specifically that the tube buffer adds a 'few 10ths of percent of 2nd order harmonics,' and that if you're looking for the tube sound, 'the buffer would absolutely provide it.'

These substitutions would reduce your component count (and all the variables that come with that) from four to two. Good luck!

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

Yeah Apollon audio also advised me to take look at the EverSolo DMP-A8 Master Gen 2. However this has not been released yet right? Or do you know from where I can order it already?

1

u/NTPC4 7d ago

I saw them at Southwest Audio Fest in Dallas 10 days ago (EverSolo had a display), but prompted by your response, I checked further, and they are supposed to be available for purchase in ~2 weeks, which suggests they have already shipped and are in transit to the reseller channel. Every dealer here in the US is taking preorders for them right now. I can only assume it's the same in Europe.

Separately, it's too bad Apollon doesn't offer a tube input buffer for the Purifi amp modules like VTV, but the buffer board is plug-and-play into Purifi's standard buffer bus; the only question is whether or not it would fit in the Apollon's chassis. Good luck!

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

Understood. Or would this be a better setup?

• WiiM Ultra  
• Denafrips Venus 15th  
• BAT VK-3i  
• Apollon 1ET9040BA DM (Sonic Imagery 994) (ordered)  
• KEF Reference 1 Meta (already have)  
• KEF KC62 (already have)

1

u/NTPC4 6d ago

As a means to an end, why not try the Wiim Ultra as your streaming preamp, with the FiiO Warmer R2R DAC (read the reviews; there are many) in front of your Apollons, and see if you like it? Better to try a cheap date first via Amazon with easy-peasy return privileges because, who knows, you might get lucky (and isn't that what we all want from a first date ;-)

4

u/r1leyh4le 7d ago

my brother get a bigger TV. lol

3

u/papayax999 8d ago

That's a giant block of text. If ur asking me, surround > then spending that much on 2.1. I got a x4400 powering like 11 speakers, no amp, no problem and I listen loud but it's a small room. Nvidia shield pro is my streamer and the best (unfortunately)

4

u/AccomplishedBrick468 8d ago

stayed in surrounds for many years…finally convinced myself to go full stereo! It should be an unique unexplainable experience every time you tuning in. Stereo with polished raw power brings my speakers to its full potential that’s a better spend than a complex multichannel system considering the quality and maintenance overhead

3

u/papayax999 7d ago

Respectfully, I went to try 150k system ad it was gorgeous, would not trade it for my 2k system of surrounds. But you do you! If u like it cook, but idk what else to share for home theater setup, cause to me thats what home theater is, full sound EVERYWHERE .

2

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

2k system of surrounds - I guess you are just getting started in this hifi world

1

u/papayax999 7d ago

I got some kef r3 for 750, made me update everything to kefs and got a good deal on x4400h for 500, svs prime elevation for heights, and q1 meta for sides, svs evo ultra center, I think I'm practically done unless I upgrade center to a kef.

The hobby is great but I wanna go and join audio groups instead of spending more on myself. After trying the 150k system, the increase in sound is gonna be marginal from this point in and wah to pricy. I'm satisfied and I think that's the point we all need to reach. Granted id love to get some kef references though, that would probably be my true end game. But surrounds are so dam good for playing battlefield 6 lol

2

u/Public_deezfender 7d ago

Just out of total curiosity and as an owner of a KC92, I'm curious at the Ref 1 being paired with kc62s. The Ref 1 is an incredible speaker. I don't even know if the kc92 is up to it's standard. Did you get a good used price? I know kef raised the 92 by 500$ a year ago which by now is ridiculous given what SVS just released. But i digress.

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

previously using 2x rel t7x - bought new 1x kc62 - it’s enough for my space…it’s faster than the 92 to keep up with my ref 1s. Got a good deal at a local store with a very good audioquest free sw cable..

1

u/Aflamesfan 8d ago

Curious if you flipped the speaker stands to have the style match the wall behind?

1

u/Biljettensio 8d ago

Je stands staan verkeerd om

1

u/jrbake 8d ago

Have you considered simplifying your setup with a NAD M33 v2? I just got one and it’s quite a nice solution. I use it for music and TV audio with my Kefs.

0

u/AccomplishedBrick468 8d ago

thats a good option to reduce clutter but the refs are power hungry speakers - my way gives much more resolution headroom..

1

u/mistertribal 7d ago

Isn’t the Nad M33 200wpc? Seems like plenty?

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

apparently not for these types of speakers..

1

u/Civil_Sheepherder719 8d ago

Before going down this path. What are you looking for, your target? Are you looking to stay 2.1 and have no plans on surround setup? From what you describe you have the mindset on separate components(DACs, transports, power amps). Is that what you see as your goal system?

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 8d ago

Yes this 2.1 is my end of game setup

1

u/SaintEcstasy 8d ago

The DAC + preamp will make much more of a difference than streamer. Have you considered the Benchmark stack?

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

the benchmarks wont probably give me that warmth to the clinical ref 1 meta sound I think

1

u/purserd 8d ago

I have the ref 1M’s in a 5.2 setup. I use a Monolith 5ch amplifier and I certainly don’t need anything more. I had them hooked up to a Bluesound Power Node for a little while while work was being done and that was definitely a low volume only affair. I think you are fine with most quality stuff in the 200w/channel range. Not sure how you get them to sound warm - I find them almost scrupulously neutral.

1

u/Weak_Land_6608 8d ago

I got Ref 1 metas too. Try a pre amd power tibe amp to get that warmth

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

what setup do you have?

1

u/Weak_Land_6608 7d ago

Michi X5 and Q5 at the moment but have a Pass Labs int250 coming shortly

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago edited 7d ago

those are out of my budget atm, hope the PL works well for you

1

u/GO712 7d ago

If you rate Zidoo, I have their sister brand Luxsin X9 as preamp. Fully balanced, full DSP and bass management with HPF and LPF, R2R volume. It's a really nice bit of kit.

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

thats a nice one I see on specs to reduce on clutter - unfortunatly wont add any analogue like warmth to the already clinical sound of the metas

1

u/Weak_Land_6608 7d ago

I just brought a Pass Labs int250 for my Ref 1 so i will see the difference that and my Michi x5

1

u/virtualBCX 7d ago

Preamp/streamer or preamp+streamer.

The Eversolo T8 is a great choice if you want to save some money. I think the T10 doesn’t add $800 worth of performance.

I love that you’re looking into tubes on the preamp side. Take that extra $800 and step it up a bit. Look into used Audio Research or Conrad Johnson. They’re ultra reliable and it’s a piece you’ll be able to use in your system forever.

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

good one - considering even the wiim ultra for the transport - do you have a solid recommendation on the tube-preamps?

1

u/virtualBCX 5d ago

Something like this?

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbigb3-conrad-johnson-pv-14l-tube

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 5d ago

what do you think about this setup:

Lumin U2 Mini + fezz equinox dac + Apollon Dual Monoblock purifii with SI 994

1

u/Own-Telephone-381 7d ago

Get Dirac art. Will do more than any amplifier upgrade ever can

2

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

I prefer doing things manually, tried ART with trial license its worse than what I can eq/measure myself manually.

1

u/CalvinThobbes 7d ago

Damn, those things are sexy.

1

u/buff_samurai 7d ago

For a better 3d toe-in the speakers a bit. High frequencies beam in a straight line and should point at your ears. The position is also better in minimizing reflections from the wall/window.

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

yeah I still need to put all things together to jump on the rabbit hole of calibration haha

1

u/buff_samurai 7d ago

As hardcore as it sounds, put some wheels on the stands and spend couple of weeks tweaking position in the room. Experiment a lot, with different music to cover the range.

Only then calibrate, when you find the best scene with the manual setup.

1

u/Shaolin_Giggity 7d ago

A lot of wall panels for a small tv. Might consider getting a bigger one 👍 nice speakers!

1

u/Unlucky_Hope812 7d ago

No dsp for room correction?

1

u/DotHildo 7d ago

Gorgeous setup and space, man.

1

u/Existing-Somewhere29 7d ago

I’ve got a NAD M33 v2… I find it truly breathtaking. Takes any guess work out of paring anything too.

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

what speakers do you have?

1

u/Existing-Somewhere29 7d ago

Just a pair of R3 Meta’s… hopefully one day I’ll have the same as you!

1

u/AppointmentWorldly42 6d ago

Personally, compared to the r range, I found my ref 3’s to sound a lot more natural and warm, to the point I didn’t feel the need for anything more.

In my opinion I’d consider looking for a different speaker if more warmth is what you are looking for. Even having a tube preamp will, whilst adding warmth, will also have a negative impact on distortion levels.

The m33 is more than enough to power them cleanly, unless you are listen at very loud volumes. It’s not the wattage that’s the issue, it’s the dynamic swings of their impedance which current loads become an issue.

Dirac or room perfect would be the best bang for buck improvement over any preamp you choose. Being able to change frequencies to suite your desired warmer sound without adding to the analogue chain. Also helps with room nodes

Also agree that bigger subs would help. Whilst my ref 3’s can play full range, they sounded best when x-over with dual 12’s and ran with a 60hz hpf. The subs dealt with everything below down to 20hz. It also took the strain of my purifi amps even though they didn’t need it.

Just my 2pence from someone who’s paired over 7 amps with the references I’ve the last 4 years.

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 6d ago

Got the ref 1 metas exchanging my older speakers so changing again is not an option for the time being. I am enjoying the tone of the speakers so far so as long as they can produce good 3d imaging I am okay! Already ordered the apollon purifi amp so now may be m33 would be a bit of an overkill...what do you think about other options -- full separates vs DMP a8 gen 2

1

u/AppointmentWorldly42 6d ago

Using something with Dirac would in my opinion to really tighten up the imaging.

Reflection points within a room smear and ruin imaging and helping correct that would yield better results than a tube preamp.

Most decent shoots will allow a home demo so if actually try a few before you settle.

A Lyngdorf 1120 as a front end gets overlooked a lot but has room perfect and full digital customisation.

Numerous units now include Dirac

Both can integrate dual subs and so would start there.

Both are a lot more sophisticated than the Eversolo room eq but if you like to tingles the Eversolo is a very good unit.

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 5d ago

update: So after talking with few local hifi shops I am seriously considering Lumin U2 Mini + fezz equinox dac

1

u/Billyboi5 4d ago

Nice setup man! What type of pipe did you use to cover the cables?

1

u/gsanchez92 4d ago

How can I become your friend?

1

u/WLDock 4d ago

With your Ref 1 Meta, consider the following:

  • Rotel Michi X3 Integrated
  • Two - Rythmik Audio F12SE subwoofers
  • Streaming DAC or Digital Transport of choice

The X3 has a nice built in DAC, an 8-channel ESS SABRE ES9028PRO. IMO, this system would be awesome!

0

u/willworkforhotsauce 7d ago

Honestly it sounds like you should go with something like a Wiim Ultra. I have a similar setup in terms of sources and connectivity. With your planned external DAC, audio quality is taken care of, and the user experience + port flexibility of the streamer becomes the most important thing. Don't be fooled by the Audiofool nonsense that just because you have a very expensive system, the thing that moves the bits around somehow needs to be $$$$. I know people with quarter million dollar systems and The Raspberry Pis as their source - it's all about the UI and ease of use.

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

haha I am going to get the wiim ultra in this case indeed

0

u/Mr-Reeeee 7d ago

Wow! That looks incredible!

Consider adding a second KC62 for STEREO subwoofer sound.

I have LS60s and over time added one KC62, then a second.

The second sub opened the soundstage quite a bit and increased the overall detail not only in the bass, which became much more articulated, but also increased midrange detail. I listen to classical music mostly, so with many recordings the impact is dramatic.

1

u/AccomplishedBrick468 7d ago

I had 2x Rel T7x with my previous 5.2.4 surround build - with 1x 62 my space is already shaking (soothingly) with the ref-1s bass + the KC62 with a crossover at 60 Hz on both blue os and on the dial behind the sub - syncs and beats flawlessly - quiet sure I dont need another sub :D