What's your setup/configuration look like?

[LarsNKJ]

Gadgets like the Ultra are really a gamechanger when it comes to equipment setups. Their ability to act as pre-amps including volume control and the possiblity to hook up a TV via HDMI ARC make integrated amps without built-in streamers and dedicated pre-amps obsolete.
Power amps are becoming more and more interesting on the other hand, also to people who couldn‘t have cared less about them in the past.
Take an Ultra, connect it to a competent class-D power amp, decent speakers and you have a very serious just two-box setup.
Having said that, you should look into Purifi implementations by Apollon, Buckeye and others before getting those cheapo Fosis. The outlay isn‘t that much more. In return you get a better amp, more power reserves and just one box. The Fosis will be four boxes plus all the cables. Dreadful.

Much appreciated do you have any specific links? I've read up on the Cambridge MX W70 ans I think it looks interesting.
I agree about the Fosi V3. Would like to just have the Ultra along with a plain power amp. Preferably something without any switches etc on the front.

 

[dominikz]

Thought about trying a pair of Fosi V3 Mono as both the Audiolab and Lintons are on the warmer side so I do sometimes miss a bit more clarity in the top but overall very pleased.

Perhaps consider adding a bit of treble (or tone down bass) with WiiM PEQ (instructions here) - this is an easy way to adjust overall tonality to your liking, without having to change any gear.

 

[Aquaman]

Much appreciated do you have any specific links? I've read up on the Cambridge MX W70 ans I think it looks interesting.
I agree about the Fosi V3. Would like to just have the Ultra along with a plain power amp. Preferably something without any switches etc on the front.

Well, have a look at the web site of Apollon. I‘m afraid they do have a led illuminated power button on the front. The Lux model don‘t, I think.
Buckeyes are also very plain by design.

 

[harkpabst]

Well, have a look at the web site of Apollon. I‘m afraid they do have a led illuminated power button on the front. The Lux model don‘t, I think.
Buckeyes are also very plain by design.

At least the brightness level can be adjusted, down to 0 % if required.

 

[Aquaman]

At least the brightness level can be adjusted, down to 0 % if required.

Ah, indeed. Totally forgot about that. Here‘s what it looks like with the LED off.

 

[GeeJay]

Gadgets like the Ultra are really a gamechanger when it comes to equipment setups. Their ability to act as pre-amps including volume control and the possiblity to hook up a TV via HDMI ARC make integrated amps without built-in streamers and dedicated pre-amps obsolete.
Power amps are becoming more and more interesting on the other hand, also to people who couldn‘t have cared less about them in the past.
Take an Ultra, connect it to a competent class-D power amp, decent speakers and you have a very serious just two-box setup.
Having said that, you should look into Purifi implementations by Apollon, Buckeye and others before getting those cheapo Fosis. The outlay isn‘t that much more. In return you get a better amp, more power reserves and just one box. The Fosis will be four boxes plus all the cables. Dreadful.

Good points…

I think a lot depends on if starting from scratch or trying to include existing kit. In my case I already had a pair of stand-mounted active speakers and an active sub-woofer. So adding the Ultra has been a great and pretty inexpensive option for me.

Considering the ticket price of the amps you suggest, how well do you think an Ultra with a pair of Acoustic Energy AE1 Active would stack up?

 

[Aquaman]

Good points…

I think a lot depends on if starting from scratch or trying to include existing kit. In my case I already had a pair of stand-mounted active speakers and an active sub-woofer. So adding the Ultra has been a great and pretty inexpensive option for me.

Considering the ticket price of the amps you suggest, how well do you think an Ultra with a pair of Acoustic Energy AE1 Active would stack up?

Quite right, I had forgotten to mention active speakers.
The reason might be that I have no own experience with them. So I‘m afraid I cannot comment at all on your speakers.
But generaly speaking and referring back to Purifi (or Hypex) amps, I think it is worth while to be a bit more generous when buying speakers. After all, they are the principal determining factor of what we hear - if they are served adequately by a good amp.