Need guidance on next upgrade – WiiM Amp Ultra vs Speaker upgrade (Budget 78K)

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Dhiraj

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Joined
Oct 6, 2007
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Hi everyone,

I’ve been slowly and steadily building my setup over time, and I’m now looking for the next meaningful upgrade. My current system consists of:
  • Amplifier: Marantz PM5005
  • Speakers: Boston Acoustics A26 on Nexus stands
  • Subwoofer: Taga Harmony TSW210 (integrated via Y-splitter from Aune X1s Pro DAC)
  • DAC: Aune Audio X1s Pro
The sub is well-integrated, and I’m quite happy with the overall balance and musicality of my 2.1 setup.

Room details & usage:
  • Living room size: ~290 sq. ft.
  • Listening distance: ~12 ft
  • Listening levels: 70–90 dB (peaks)
  • Source: Tidal Hi-Res via USB Audio Player Pro on Samsung S21 FE → Aune X1s Pro DAC
  • Music preference: Wide range — Bollywood, English Pop, Yosi Horikawa, Yello, Jazz, A.R. Rahman, Ajay-Atul, etc.
  • Usage: Mostly stereo music (weekdays) with occasional movies (weekends)
Now, I’d like to experience a different and more exciting sound signature with a budget of around ₹78K. I’ve shortlisted a few upgrade paths and would love your expert guidance:

Option 1:
Upgrade to WiiM Amp Ultra – to get more power, proper bass management, and potentially better dynamics for both music and movies. (~₹76K)

Option 2:
Replace Boston A26 with Mission QX2 MkII and add a WiiM Ultra Streamer for high-res streaming + bass management. (~₹78K total)

Option 3:
Upgrade to floorstanders for a fuller presentation – but not sure if my PM5005 can drive them well in my room.
  • Mission LX6 MkII (~₹69K)
  • Fyne Audio F303 (~₹70K)
Given my current setup and preferences, which of these paths do you think would offer the most substantial and noticeable upgrade in overall sound quality and excitement?
Also, if you have better upgrade suggestions within a similar budget, I’d love to hear them!

Looking forward to your valuable inputs.
 
Dhiraj said:
Hi everyone,

I’ve been slowly and steadily building my setup over time, and I’m now looking for the next meaningful upgrade. My current system consists of:
  • Amplifier: Marantz PM5005
  • Speakers: Boston Acoustics A26 on Nexus stands
  • Subwoofer: Taga Harmony TSW210 (integrated via Y-splitter from Aune X1s Pro DAC)
  • DAC: Aune Audio X1s Pro
The sub is well-integrated, and I’m quite happy with the overall balance and musicality of my 2.1 setup.

Room details & usage:
  • Living room size: ~290 sq. ft.
  • Listening distance: ~12 ft
  • Listening levels: 70–90 dB (peaks)
  • Source: Tidal Hi-Res via USB Audio Player Pro on Samsung S21 FE → Aune X1s Pro DAC
  • Music preference: Wide range — Bollywood, English Pop, Yosi Horikawa, Yello, Jazz, A.R. Rahman, Ajay-Atul, etc.
  • Usage: Mostly stereo music (weekdays) with occasional movies (weekends)
Now, I’d like to experience a different and more exciting sound signature with a budget of around ₹78K. I’ve shortlisted a few upgrade paths and would love your expert guidance:

Option 1:
Upgrade to WiiM Amp Ultra – to get more power, proper bass management, and potentially better dynamics for both music and movies. (~₹76K)

Option 2:
Replace Boston A26 with Mission QX2 MkII and add a WiiM Ultra Streamer for high-res streaming + bass management. (~₹78K total)

Option 3:
Upgrade to floorstanders for a fuller presentation – but not sure if my PM5005 can drive them well in my room.
  • Mission LX6 MkII (~₹69K)
  • Fyne Audio F303 (~₹70K)
Given my current setup and preferences, which of these paths do you think would offer the most substantial and noticeable upgrade in overall sound quality and excitement?
Also, if you have better upgrade suggestions within a similar budget, I’d love to hear them!

Looking forward to your valuable inputs.
Click to expand...
Ho with Klipsch speakerswith Wiim
 
Dhiraj said:
Now, I’d like to experience a different and more exciting sound signature



Option 2:
Replace Boston A26 with Mission QX2 MkII and add a WiiM Ultra Streamer for high-res streaming + bass management. (~₹78K total)


Also, if you have better upgrade suggestions within a similar budget, I’d love to hear them!

Looking forward to your valuable inputs.
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum.
I have Mission QX2 MK II with Aiyima A07 + ifi Zen Air Dac, Source - Lossless Rips (PC), Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube.
In my setup QX2 MK II is quite warm and laid back with ample low end, not exciting or engaging. So take multiple auditions before going for it.
Let other experienced FMs pour in their suggestions.
 
Dhiraj said:
Hi everyone,

I’ve been slowly and steadily building my setup over time, and I’m now looking for the next meaningful upgrade. My current system consists of:
  • Amplifier: Marantz PM5005
  • Speakers: Boston Acoustics A26 on Nexus stands
  • Subwoofer: Taga Harmony TSW210 (integrated via Y-splitter from Aune X1s Pro DAC)
  • DAC: Aune Audio X1s Pro
The sub is well-integrated, and I’m quite happy with the overall balance and musicality of my 2.1 setup.

Room details & usage:
  • Living room size: ~290 sq. ft.
  • Listening distance: ~12 ft
  • Listening levels: 70–90 dB (peaks)
  • Source: Tidal Hi-Res via USB Audio Player Pro on Samsung S21 FE → Aune X1s Pro DAC
  • Music preference: Wide range — Bollywood, English Pop, Yosi Horikawa, Yello, Jazz, A.R. Rahman, Ajay-Atul, etc.
  • Usage: Mostly stereo music (weekdays) with occasional movies (weekends)
Now, I’d like to experience a different and more exciting sound signature with a budget of around ₹78K. I’ve shortlisted a few upgrade paths and would love your expert guidance:

Option 1:
Upgrade to WiiM Amp Ultra – to get more power, proper bass management, and potentially better dynamics for both music and movies. (~₹76K)

Option 2:
Replace Boston A26 with Mission QX2 MkII and add a WiiM Ultra Streamer for high-res streaming + bass management. (~₹78K total)

Option 3:
Upgrade to floorstanders for a fuller presentation – but not sure if my PM5005 can drive them well in my room.
  • Mission LX6 MkII (~₹69K)
  • Fyne Audio F303 (~₹70K)
Given my current setup and preferences, which of these paths do you think would offer the most substantial and noticeable upgrade in overall sound quality and excitement?
Also, if you have better upgrade suggestions within a similar budget, I’d love to hear them!

Looking forward to your valuable inputs.
Click to expand...
I will suggest you not to do any upgrade as of now. Marantz has a house signature which you will find in their higher line up amplifiers. Rather my advice would be to stick around with the same setup and accumulate some more funds and go in for a speaker upgrade. Then later you can have an amplifier upgrade. Problem with small upgrades is that you end up having to sell your current gear at a substantial lower price there by losing a lot of money in due process.
You can utilise this time in shortlisting the speakers and amplifier with which you can end up spending a significant time.
 
morerajendra5678 said:
I will suggest you not to do any upgrade as of now. Marantz has a house signature which you will find in their higher line up amplifiers. Rather my advice would be to stick around with the same setup and accumulate some more funds and go in for a speaker upgrade. Then later you can have an amplifier upgrade. Problem with small upgrades is that you end up having to sell your current gear at a substantial lower price there by losing a lot of money in due process.
You can utilise this time in shortlisting the speakers and amplifier with which you can end up spending a significant time.
Click to expand...

I completely understand the point you made, and honestly I agree with it. But for me, spending a huge amount all at once is quite difficult. That’s why I’ve been upgrading my setup slowly whenever I have some funds available. Otherwise, I’d have to wait and save for ages before making any progress.

I’ve been dreaming of getting the Polk R700 for a long time — it’s really tempting — but it’s way beyond my current budget. And on top of that, I’d also need a much more powerful amp to drive them properly, which again means a big investment. Realistically, I’m not sure how long I’d need to wait to reach that level.

So instead of staying stuck for years, I prefer going step-by-step and improving my system gradually. It keeps the journey enjoyable and manageable. There is no End to it :)
 
morerajendra5678 said:
I will suggest you not to do any upgrade as of now. Marantz has a house signature which you will find in their higher line up amplifiers. Rather my advice would be to stick around with the same setup and accumulate some more funds and go in for a speaker upgrade. Then later you can have an amplifier upgrade. Problem with small upgrades is that you end up having to sell your current gear at a substantial lower price there by losing a lot of money in due process.
You can utilise this time in shortlisting the speakers and amplifier with which you can end up spending a significant time.
Click to expand...
Which one is in your mind that can go well with pm5005 for time being? I can upgrade amp later for that speaker in future. Please advice.
 
My 2 cents: not to get Wiim amp over Marantz. For streaming you can get Wiim mini. You already have a DAC, if it has optical input, Wiim mini can be hooked up with the DAC.

After that spend the money on the speaker of your choice. May be Elac Debut reference series.
 
Dhiraj said:
Which one is in your mind that can go well with pm5005 for time being? I can upgrade amp later for that speaker in future. Please advice.
Click to expand...
Wharfedale Linton will be a good update. Second update can be to Amplifier from Marantz PM5005 to Marantz M1. Might be the case that you won't feel need to update anymore or upgrade to your dream speakers.
 
nuvo said:
My 2 cents: not to get Wiim amp over Marantz. For streaming you can get Wiim mini. You already have a DAC, if it has optical input, Wiim mini can be hooked up with the DAC.

After that spend the money on the speaker of your choice. May be Elac Debut reference series.
Click to expand...
I was planning to add the WiiM Ultra so I can use it as both a streamer and a sub-out for proper bass management. This should give me cleaner bass while offloading the low-frequency load from my PM5005 when driving the 4-ohm Mission QX2 speakers, with the bass being handled by the TSW210. This way, the PM5005 can drive the QX2 more comfortably. Please let me know if my understanding is correct or if you have any other suggestions.
 
Dhiraj said:
I was planning to add the WiiM Ultra so I can use it as both a streamer and a sub-out for proper bass management. This should give me cleaner bass while offloading the low-frequency load from my PM5005 when driving the 4-ohm Mission QX2 speakers, with the bass being handled by the TSW210.
Click to expand...
Sounds good in theory but seldom turns out the way we want in practice. I would discourage you from this exercise as i’ve been there and done that and it’ll probably be a downgrade in SQ.

In all likelihood, the Marantz PM5005 (i have the pm6006 and it trounces these cheap chinese Class D amps) has the better pure amplification section than that of the Wiim Ultra. 50w’s of Marantz Class A/B power is greater than 150w’s of Chinese Class D, including the likes of Wiim, in my experience and are sufficient to drive most speakers with authority.

The only budget small form factor class D amp that can do 100w’s @8ohm proper, and good sounding watts at that, is the Marantz M1.
Dhiraj said:
This way, the PM5005 can drive the QX2 more comfortably. Please let me know if my understanding is correct or if you have any other suggestions.
Click to expand...
I would suggest that you spend the money on a better speaker. The Mission QX2 is an excellent speaker for the money and you’re unlikely to get better at the price but you can get better if you go up the spectrum. Enquire and checkout the KEF Q3 meta and the Klipsch RP600M II with dealers to get them < 80k.

If you want a floorstander to get deeper and more bass, checkout the PSB Alpha T20 or the Q Acoustics 3050i.

The Mission LX Floorstandrs are a step down in SQ from the abovementioned speakers.
 
DB1989 said:
Sounds good in theory but seldom turns out the way we want in practice. I would discourage you from this exercise as i’ve been there and done that and it’ll probably be a downgrade in SQ.

In all likelihood, the Marantz PM5005 (i have the pm6006 and it trounces these cheap chinese Class D amps) has the better pure amplification section than that of the Wiim Ultra. 50w’s of Marantz Class A/B power is greater than 150w’s of Chinese Class D, including the likes of Wiim, in my experience and are sufficient to drive most speakers with authority.

The only budget small form factor class D amp that can do 100w’s @8ohm proper, and good sounding watts at that, is the Marantz M1.

I would suggest that you spend the money on a better speaker. The Mission QX2 is an excellent speaker for the money and you’re unlikely to get better at the price but you can get better if you go up the spectrum. Enquire and checkout the KEF Q3 meta and the Klipsch RP600M II with dealers to get them < 80k.

If you want a floorstander to get deeper and more bass, checkout the PSB Alpha T20 or the Q Acoustics 3050i.

The Mission LX Floorstandrs are a step down in SQ from the abovementioned speakers.
Click to expand...
Please listen 🙏 👂 to this post
 
Hi
You can include a basic preamp like fosi audio zp3 cost around 18k will solve the bass management issue completely.
Mission speakers with marantz 5005 will sound good than with M1.
And ur sub is not that good and u have to start from there for ur next upgrade for better bass
 
DB1989 said:
Sounds good in theory but seldom turns out the way we want in practice. I would discourage you from this exercise as i’ve been there and done that and it’ll probably be a downgrade in SQ.

In all likelihood, the Marantz PM5005 (i have the pm6006 and it trounces these cheap chinese Class D amps) has the better pure amplification section than that of the Wiim Ultra. 50w’s of Marantz Class A/B power is greater than 150w’s of Chinese Class D, including the likes of Wiim, in my experience and are sufficient to drive most speakers with authority.

The only budget small form factor class D amp that can do 100w’s @8ohm proper, and good sounding watts at that, is the Marantz M1.

I would suggest that you spend the money on a better speaker. The Mission QX2 is an excellent speaker for the money and you’re unlikely to get better at the price but you can get better if you go up the spectrum. Enquire and checkout the KEF Q3 meta and the Klipsch RP600M II with dealers to get them < 80k.

If you want a floorstander to get deeper and more bass, checkout the PSB Alpha T20 or the Q Acoustics 3050i.

The Mission LX Floorstandrs are a step down in SQ from the abovementioned speakers.
Click to expand...
I was previously considering the Q Acoustics 3050i (the white finish looks really nice) instead of the Mission LX6. But due to budget constraints, I dropped the idea. I also read in a forum that the LX6 sounds better, exciting and fuller than the 3050i. Still, I’ll check if I can get a good deal on the 3050i within my budget. Hope PM5005 can drive them with ease.
 
Watsonsiva said:
Hi
You can include a basic preamp like fosi audio zp3 cost around 18k will solve the bass management issue completely.
Mission speakers with marantz 5005 will sound good than with M1.
And ur sub is not that good and u have to start from there for ur next upgrade for better bass
Click to expand...
Can pm5005 drive them with ease in 290sqft area?
 
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