Like most music lovers I have been quietly upgrading my system to optimize performance. The main upgrades over 2024/2025 have been the replacement of my Pathos Classic Remix amplifier with the far more powerful Pathos Kratos integrated amplifier. Adding the Arendal subwoofer and the addition of the WiiM Ultra streamer. Most recently I've upgraded my Bel Canto 3.7 R2R ladder DAC with a Denafrips 15th DAC.
Primary music sources remain as CD/SACD and Vinyl with the WiiM Ultra used to access recordings for potential purchases, listen to new artists catalogues, create playlists of material I don't wish to own.
My CD/SACD and Vinyl collection includes music from many genres like bebop jazz, pop, folk, rock, electronic, R&B as well as opera and a considerable collection of classical music so it is important my system can handle all types of musical genre well.
Subwoofer with 800 watt on board amplifier and remote control of settings via Android or Apple app. 13.8 inch speaker designed to face into corner as close as 4 inches from the wall. Uniquely uses high density fiber board cabinet. Both depth of bass and speaker crossover plus slope and other fine tuning controls, including presets, make integration and fine tuning to room straightforward with the app control from your listening position really simplifying getting the amount of detail and musicality you want.
Pathos Acoustics Kratos
Hybrid integrated amplifier using ECC83 tubes and delivering 350W into 4 Ohms.
Denafrips Venus 15th DAC
An excellent pure DAC (no pre-amp features) based on their previous Denafrips Terminator DAC. Connected to WiiM Ultra via coaxial input for streaming and via I2S connection to PS Audio CD/SACD transport.
WiiM WiiM Ultra Streamer
Highly competent, low cost streamer supporting a wide range of streaming services plus the ability to act as a music hub with its multiple connectivity options including as a phono-stage, pre-amp and subwoofer output. Offers great software app support and also room correction.
Nice system. Mine is ancient in comparison. What I enjoy seeing is a dedication to music through media, I've collected records since childhood, still have my mom's 78's. My priority is the library, the "reading" equipment, for me takes a back seat. Sonics are important, sure, but it's great to see a CD collection like yours.
