[JoeP21C]

Hi - I'm a keen rocker who is reliving his older musical heydays.  Life has delivered me an unfortunate blow but I still have my love for music, which I like loud.

I currently stream my music via Amazon music and have an Amazon Echo Plus linked to an old Denon amp (UD-M31) via a 3.5mm line-out which gives me an ok(ish) sound through two bookshelf speakers.  I love the fact that I can ask Alexa to play whatever I want, skip tracks and rake up the volume when I want

I also have two KEF Reference 1 floor standing speakers - which are not connected and gathering dust at the moment

Q: Is there a way that I can get something that will allow me to stream music and voice activate via Alexa - and get a much better sound.   I would love to use my Ref1's if possible - I remember them being amazing.  I am prepared to spend a bit of money  - just not mad levels

It has been a long time since I have used these forums - I used to be a keen audiophile but that was 10 years ago and I have lost touch with latest tech.

All and any suggestions very welcome

Big thanks

Joe

[FullRangeMan]

Welcome to AC 

[Doublej]

Welcome Joe.

What is your price range?  The WiiM products should give you a boost in sound quality over your current setup. Lots of detailed discussion over at the WiiM forum.

https://forum.wiimhome.com/

I would look at the soon to be release WiiM Ultra which gives you a subwoofer output for short money over the WiiM Pro Plus. Pair it with your favorite power amp and you'll be rocking out. If you want a one box integrated streamer/power amp look at the WiiM amp, though I don't know if I will give you the b@lls you are looking for.

There are also Alexa controlled Amazon Music supported products from Bluesound, Denon, and Marantz.

The audio industry seemingly has limited interest in Alexa control of their devices. Most are using dedicated apps for control so if you are willing to forgo Alexa you'll have more choices.

[Phil A]

Welcome!

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Welcome!   

I would consider a streamer and forget about Alexa.  Use  streaming service like Tidal or Qobuz. 

Streamers like the Blue Sound Node are OK sounding.  If you want a really good sounding streamer consider the Lumin D3.  The Node sounds midfi in comparison.  The Lumin runs about $2500. 

Also, if you want an all in one, amp, DAC, phono pre and blue tooth streaming, consider PS Audio Sprout.
https://www.psaudio.com/products/sprout100-integrated-amplifier/?gc_id=17799433819&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwy8i0BhAkEiwAdFaeGIQb-Cj0Qy-yvHrRsCpf8VB7wVxvBgmhKnbI32UGPswrHHCOMIqMlBoCf-UQAvD_BwE

[ArthurDent]

Greetings & Welcome to AC Joe