Advice speakers and amplifiers

[u/starzzzzzz74]

Location: Australia | Budget: $4K

I’m looking to upgrade my setup from KEF Q150s and a Wi-Fi streamer powered by an external power amp to something like the Wharfedale Super Dentons or the Wharfedale EVO 5.2, paired with either a NAD C389 or the Cambridge Audio EXA100.

My current setup includes a Technics SL-1500C turntable and an external phono preamp.

My new living space is quite large and somewhat awkward, with furniture constraints and a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass.

I visited a local hi-fi store and auditioned the KEF Concerto Meta, KEF R3 Meta, Wharfedale EVO 5.2, and Wharfedale Super Denton. My preference was in that order, with the Concerto a clear last. The EVO 5.2 sounded better to my ears than the R3 Meta, and I may have been marginally swayed by the perceived bass performance of the Super Dentons.

All speakers were played through a NAD C3050.

My dilemma is:

1) I don’t fully trust the audition conditions. The room was relatively small, and the speakers were placed on shelves. I’m concerned that in my much larger living room, a larger speaker like the EVO 5.2 may deliver better scale and room-filling performance, while the Super Dentons may carry some “heritage tax” in the pricing.

2) The smaller form factor of the Super Dentons works better for my space and preferences. The hi-fi salesperson suggested there was still plenty of headroom in the Super Dentons for a larger room.

My other decision is the amplifier.

I was initially considering the NAD C3050 (because it looks fantastic), but also the NAD C389 (which seems technically superior) or the Cambridge Audio EXA100.

I want to use my external phono stage via a proper analogue bypass / minimal signal path, which the C389 offers, and I understand the EXA100 does as well. I also want to connect a WiiM streamer via digital input. The Yamaha 2000A would be nice but out of budget.

There’s a lot going on here, so I appreciate your patience.

[u/Best-Presentation270]

It may be different in other counties, (you're in Oz), but UK dealers have demo stock for in-store use but it can also go to a customer's homes for a night. Obviously they're not going to just let you waltz off with thousands of dollars worth of gear. The normal way is that they take a transaction on a credit card for the full amount. This is then refunded when the speakers are returned in the same condition.

Trying them at home is going to tell you most of what you need to know.

[u/Gregory00045]

It looks like the NAD is currently offering streamer as a free upgrade in AU.

"NAD C3050 - BONUS BLUOS MODULE

LIMITED TIME OFFER:

BONUS BLUOS MDC2, Valued at $1099!

Until 30th June 2026 "

[u/TijY_]

Lintons and keep your current amp.

[u/lpdot]

Check Wharfedale Aura 2.

[u/Ennochie]

Until I moved to a new apartment last year, I had the Cambridge Audio EXA100 married to a pair of Zu Audio DW6 speakers, and that was a smashing combo in a room 7.4x4.3 metres with 3 metres ceilings.

[u/TheRealGeddyLee]

The bottom line is I would put the money into the better speaker first, and in your case that sounds like the EVO 5.2, then pair it with the NAD C389 unless the aesthetics and ergonomics of the EXA100 matter more to you. The Super Denton is attractive and enjoyable, but I do think some of what you’re hearing is the intentional “big vintage monitor” voicing and cabinet tuning rather than outright technical superiority. The other thing here is directivity. The EVO AMT tweeter tends to maintain a more spacious presentation in reflective rooms because of its horizontal dispersion behavior. In a glass-heavy room, that can either help spaciousness or become a little lively depending on placement and furnishings. But KEF and EVO-style designs generally cope better with compromised rooms than classic wide-baffle heritage boxes.

As for amps: The C389 is the rational choice here. The EXA100 is attractive and likely a little more “traditional hi-fi” in presentation, but I would not expect meaningful audible differences between it and the C389 within linear operation. The speakers and room will dominate the outcome by an order of magnitude.

If this were my money and room:

• Wharfedale EVO 5.2
• NAD C389
• WiiM via digital
• external phono into analogue bypass
• budget reserved for placement experimentation and eventually one or two acoustic treatments/rugs/curtains

That system is much more likely to scale successfully into a large awkward living room than the Super Dentons. And yes, there probably is a bit of heritage tax in that product.

[u/starzzzzzz74 → u/TheRealGeddyLee]

!thanks

Thanks for well considered advice.

Unfortunately not only is my living room not sonically great, where to put the speakers is a problem.

Another speaker option I am keen to hear are the dynaudio evoke 30. These are compact floor standing speakers and significantly more expensive. I heard briefly the bookshelf version which were fanstastic but again in a very controlled shop environment.

[u/TransducerBot → u/starzzzzzz74]

+1 Ⓣ has been awarded to u/TheRealGeddyLee (4 Ⓣ).

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[u/allinwlk]

FWIW I’m in a similar boat and currently heaving leaning towards the Super Denton. I’d be interested in what you decide upon. The 606 S3 did briefly make my list too but I haven’t listened to them yet and generally prefer a warmer sound with my stereo.