Time for something new. What is more recommendable: RS130 and RD160 as a combination or the new RS151? Everything is powered by Soulnote A2 and Canton Reference 2. Is the RS151 good enough to replace the combination or would you rather recommend individual components?
Thanks,
Frank
I can’t speak to the RS151, but I replaced an Eversolo A8 with an RS130 + RD160 a couple months ago, and finally have a system that I am happy with. I went to an audio show last month and have to say that my system is as good, if not better than 75% of the systems in the demo rooms. They are definitely an impressive sounding duo.
Looking at the RS151 features, you should know that you wont get eArc with the 130+160, which I had with the Eversolo. I bought an inexpensive Zidoo Z9X 8K to get movie audio into my RD160 via USB to compensate for the lac of eArc.
That’s exactly what I’m thinking right now. The new equipment will replace a Naim Uniti Nova and B&W 702 S3 system in our vacation home. At the moment, a Samsung TV is connected to the Uniti Nova via eARC, and an Apple TV 4K is also connected to the Samsung TV. This works well.
I just don’t want to compromise on sound quality if I buy something better now. In this respect, I’m currently leaning towards the 130 & 160 … This is also the system I used for my test listening.
Those are some pretty Cantons! I’m using some old B&W 804S that I purchased nearly 20 years ago. Looking to upgrade soon, but they still sound great.
I tried using the Apple TV with the optical out of the tv to the RD160, but it doesn’t sound right. Samsung might do better than LG for that though. I am really impressed with the Zidoo media player for movies, though only good for your own media, not streaming Netflix, Prime, etc as its missing the certifications. There are Dune players that have streaming, but no USB audio except for their highest end model. Another option is an eArc audio extractor (to toslink).
The RS130 can play non-Dolby Vision content, but the video performance is poor, as well as the interface. You do not get a system to view/catalog your media, and navigating a video is near impossible.
Here we go again: I’ve just decided to buy the individual components. That’s a different class and I’m no longer in any doubt.
Let the games begin. Delivery is on 6.5. 
Congrats! Now the hard part… waiting!
