Integrated Amplifier or Receiver Recommendation for CBM-170 SE

[Supertech]

I am looking for recommendations for a stereo integrated amp or receiver to make the best of my first Ascend Acoustics speakers, CBM-170 SE. Thank you.

[curtis]

I am looking for recommendations for a stereo integrated amp or receiver to make the best of my first Ascend Acoustics speakers, CBM-170 SE. Thank you.

The CBM-170SEs are not a difficult load to drive. Any decent integrated amp/receiver can make them sing. I’ve heard them hooked up to <$50 t-amps, and they sound great.
Do you have a budget? What kind of listening will you be doing? What will be the sources of your music? Streaming(you’re own files or a service?), CD, turntable, etc.? Are there any features you are looking for?

[Supertech]

Hi -curtis,
Short version: I want to listen to Amazon HD Music Services. So, I need to connect my iPphone 11 Pro to my amplifier with USB or my amplifier needs to have an ethernet connection with Amazon App on it, etc. I want it to sound as good as possible.

Long version: I currently listen to music by connecting my iPhone to my Yamaha RX-V675 HT system. This model does not have Amazon HD Music so I have to use my iPhone via USB. It's inconvenient. I am planning to upgrade my AVR to Yamaha TSR-7850 (specs suggest that it is identical to Yamaha Aventage RX-A780; it can be as low as $379.99 on Costco when on sale).

So, I either buy a TSR-7850, and use it for both stereo listening and HT system. Or I get a separate stereo amplifier for CBM-170 SE, and find a way of listening from the music service. If I knew that TSR-7850 would work great as a stereo amplifier I would go for it. Otherwise, I will keep my old Yamaha RX-V675, and invest in stereo amplifier to enjoy CBM-170 SE. In a nutshell, I am trying to get into HiFi listening, but I not do not have enough experience with equipment (yet). I think my ears are better than average.

I hope it's clear enough. Thanks for the response. Much appreciated.

PS As a budget, I am trying to keep it under $500.00. But, I may pay another 100 or 200 more for a future expandable system.

[white_darren]

Adding a Fire TV Stick to your system would be the cheapest option to give you access to Amazon HD Music. I stream Tidal, Pandora and my own music from my Plex server this way and it works great (although I'm actually using a Fire TV Cube these days, recently moved the Fire TV Stick 4k to the bedroom). I just connect it to an HDMI input on my Marantz AVR which handles the audio and passes the video on to my TV. Works and sounds great.

[Supertech]

Adding a Fire TV Stick to your system would be the cheapest option to give you access to Amazon HD Music.....

white_darren,
That is a great suggestion. I have never thought of that. I will look into it.

[curtis]

Adding a Fire TV Stick to your system would be the cheapest option to give you access to Amazon HD Music...

white_darren,
That is a great suggestion. I have never thought of that. I will look into it.

Excellent!! For $40-$50, and an excellent return policy, that's the first thing I would try in your situation.

I am a big proponent of streaming (and then buying CDs I like). I currently use Qobuz and Tidal(because it is $5 for 5 months right now, otherwise I would probably just be using Qobuz) via Roon. If Roon supported Amazon HD Music, I would be giving it a try.