Amp for B&W CM5

[Lucas5010]

Hey guys, this is my first time buying a pair of speakers and need some advice.
My struggle is buying a stereo amp for my B&W CM5

I have a few in mind, but I have no idea how they will work with the CM5's. I first thought of the Bluesound Powernode 1, as I could get it for 270£, but does it deliver enough power to pump out high volumes? I found the NAD C356BEE as well with a streaming module for 350£ or the NAD C338 for 500£.

My Requirements

• Streaming either via spotify connect, wifi or chromecast audio
• Should be able to connect to my tv
• Should be able to adjust volume either via Tv remote or spotify.
• Main focus music, and should be able to play decently loud for house parties.
• Around 400-600£ max

I'm open to add ons like the nad modules or combinations of streaming devices.

 

[lovinthehd]

I'd get an avr rather than a stereo amp so you can properly supplement those speakers with a sub, as well as have built in streaming (and apps), easier to connect to modern TVs etc and most in 2ch mode have plenty of power, maybe a Denon 3300....how much is that there?

 

[Lucas5010]

The Denon 3300 looks nice, it's 650£ here, what about the 2300, that's only 500£. But would it be overkill, I'm only plaining on the two CM5's and maybe a active sub later on. I don't have the space for surround sound

 

[Lucas5010]

But if i want to connect my PS4, would it go through the HMDI ports or the TV's digital output?

 

[lovinthehd]

The Denon 3300 looks nice, it's 650£ here, what about the 2300, that's only 500£. But would it be overkill, I'm only plaining on the two CM5's and maybe a active sub later on. I don't have the space for surround sound

It would be fine; slightly less powerful, has Audyssey XT vs XT32 and a few other differences; you can do a comparison via their site https://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/receivers/avrx2300w (assuming there's little difference with the european model, but maybe should see if their european site has same feature).

But if i want to connect my PS4, would it go through the HMDI ports or the TV's digital output?

I connect my ps3 thru my avr via hdmi but I'm not much of a gamer and don't know much about lag times and other things gamers might care about (use one game, mostly use it for a bluray player and streamer).

 

[Lucas5010]

Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it, i Think i will pick one up

 

[lovinthehd]

A few things you may want to think about, rereading your post, is the loud house party part. You may want to consider a more powerful amp (than the ones you considered so far) or have an option to have a more powerful amp by choosing an avr with pre-outs so as to have the possibility of an external amp (the 2300 does not have that feature).

At least consider programming the max volume (p.159 in the 2300's manual) to as loud as it sounds good before the party starts....parties, and particularly alcohol, can damage speakers when strangers turn things up to 11 (it has happened to me but that setup didn't have the max volume limiting feature)