blybo Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 In my quest to make my system as easy to use for my wife and 6&7yo girls, I'm considering moving on all my separate components and buying an "all in one" style of integrated. I know I may well suffer a slight SQ decrease this way, and the ability to play around with new "toys", however it is a price I'm willing to pay. So the budget is up to around $6k, and the non-negotiable are an integrated with inbuilt DAC. Preferably with an inbuilt streamer and MM phono stage as well. What I've demo'ed so far; Peachtree Nova 150 & Sim Audio Moon ACE. The Peachtree didn't produce a realistic imaging and soundstage in my set up so after some rudimentary speaker placement trials, it was quickly packed away. That's a pity as it ticks so many boxes and is high on WAF, although my wife prefers the look of the Monn, go figure. The Moon is very promising and ticks all my boxes. Will also be hard to beat as reports say it's on board streamer will shortly be a Roon endpoint. SQ was different to my separates system, not better or worse per se, but perhaps with a sound I preferred with the bass being a little bit more prominent. Maybe long term that feeling or preference would fade, I don't know. What I want to demo; PS Audio Stellar DAC/Pre and power, Naim Uniti Star CD Streaming Amplifier. I know the PS Audio is still a pre/power combo and doesn't quite meet my criteria, but it is very small being based on a class D amplifier (class A signal stage), and I have high hopes for it. The new Naim Uniti range looks amazing with a large colour display, but yet to know if the bling is backed up with SQ and a feature set I could live with long term. So what else should I be looking at? Sort of ruled out the Parasound Halo Integrated as I've read of customers choosing the Peachtree in favour of it in the US where prices are similar.
Guest rogerthat Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 (edited) Thin pickings: Auralic Polaris (released yet?) NAD c3xx series or Masters s32 with Bluesound module Lumin M1 (no analogue inputs) Classe 2200i (Airplay only?) Devialet Cyrus Lyric Hegel 160 (Airplay only?) Cocktail Audio X-30 Way out there: DARTZEEL LHC-208 Edited May 1, 2017 by rogerthat
Bunno77 Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 I was blown away buy the Uniti. Being able to drive the Sopra 2s well. Lacked a little bass authority but still didn't sound like it was struggling or lacking extension. It did extremely well with the in-walls. The streaming side is excellent especially for little ones. Does Google Cast, Airplay, Bluetooth and has Tidal/Spotify embedded. A little on the expensive side though but worth it. The Micromega beside it was ok and is an all in one too but isn't really the sound I like. I think Auralic have an all in one too but haven't heard it. Sent from my JAZZ using Tapatalk
blybo Posted May 1, 2017 Author Posted May 1, 2017 1 hour ago, Bunno77 said: I was blown away buy the Uniti. Being able to drive the Sopra 2s well. Lacked a little bass authority but still didn't sound like it was struggling or lacking extension. It did extremely well with the in-walls. The streaming side is excellent especially for little ones. Does Google Cast, Airplay, Bluetooth and has Tidal/Spotify embedded. A little on the expensive side though but worth it. The Micromega beside it was ok and is an all in one too but isn't really the sound I like. I think Auralic have an all in one too but haven't heard it. Sent from my JAZZ using Tapatalk Was that from the Naim/Focal tour a little while back? I don't think stock is available till July. Likewise the Auralic Polaris does not appear to be available yet. The Polaris does have a MM phono input and Roon ready which gives it a further tick. I think long term my TT rig is where the play $$$ will go and I'll hopefully rest contentedly with my digital and amplification from the all in one.
Bunno77 Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 Was that from the Naim/Focal tour a little while back? I don't think stock is available till July. Likewise the Auralic Polaris does not appear to be available yet. The Polaris does have a MM phono input and Roon ready which gives it a further tick. I think long term my TT rig is where the play $$$ will go and I'll hopefully rest contentedly with my digital and amplification from the all in one. These are from the Bangkok hifi show and the new Focal store in Bangkok. They will do Roon via Airplay at the moment and Naim has done testing with Roon so maybe there will be an update??? They also have an analogue input so that might help you TT situation. Also have Hdmi arc so maybe good for TV connection too. Might be worth the wait with things like the Polaris coming. Sounds like a good plan of attack. Sent from my JAZZ using Tapatalk 1
blybo Posted May 1, 2017 Author Posted May 1, 2017 1 hour ago, rogerthat said: Thin pickings: Auralic Polaris (released yet?) Sounds promising NAD c3xx series or Masters s32 with Bluesound module Not sure Lumin M1 (no analogue inputs) Need to connect a TT Classe 2200i (Airplay only?) Beyond my budget (it does have DNLA streaming) Devialet Again above my budget and I'm told a closed shop to streaming services Cyrus Lyric Going on the demo list Hegel 160 (Airplay only?) Also going on the demo list... if I can convince a well known retailer to let me. Cocktail Audio X-30 Have heard they are not in the same league as ones above Way out there: DARTZEEL LHC-208
Guest rogerthat Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 Another: http://www.avhub.com.au/news/hi-fi/densen-cast-amplifier-454833
pops9745 Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 1 hour ago, blybo said: Cyrus Lyric Going on the demo list FYI - http://www.deniswhite.com.au/cyrus-lyric-05-one-box-qualilty-hifi.html
JukKluk2 Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 Don't know if this has made it to Oz yet and have no idea on price, either. Plus you'd need a separate phono stage. Looks the ducks nuts though. http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/encore/m6-encore-225
blybo Posted May 1, 2017 Author Posted May 1, 2017 (edited) 16 minutes ago, pops9745 said: FYI - http://www.deniswhite.com.au/cyrus-lyric-05-one-box-qualilty-hifi.html Now there's an absolute bargain. Pity I can't demo first... and don't want to rush into this just because a good price is available. 12 minutes ago, JukKluk2 said: Don't know if this has made it to Oz yet and have no idea on price, either. Plus you'd need a separate phono stage. Looks the ducks nuts though. http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/encore/m6-encore-225 Had been very keen on these but will be outside my budget (over $7k) and I don't think they are even available here yet. http://www.avhub.com.au/news/hi-fi/musical-fidelity-m6-encore-225-446751 Edited May 1, 2017 by blybo
betty boop Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 35 minutes ago, rogerthat said: Another: http://www.avhub.com.au/news/hi-fi/densen-cast-amplifier-454833 Would be checking that out ... think cav sell it
JukKluk2 Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 1 minute ago, blybo said: Now there's an absolute bargain. Pity I can't demo first... and don't want to rush into this just because a good price is available. Had been very keen on these but will be outside my budget (over $7k) and I don't think they are even available here yet. A little patience could be your friend here @blybo , trust me. What's a few extra months without a system, in the long run? The time spent waiting for the M6 Encore 225 to arrive in Oz could be put to use in accumulating the extra funds required. It's what I like to think that's what I would do, even if I did want it NOW. 1
blybo Posted May 1, 2017 Author Posted May 1, 2017 11 minutes ago, JukKluk2 said: A little patience could be your friend here @blybo , trust me. What's a few extra months without a system, in the long run? The time spent waiting for the M6 Encore 225 to arrive in Oz could be put to use in accumulating the extra funds required. It's what I like to think that's what I would do, even if I did want it NOW. It's not a matter of accumulating extra funds, it's a matter of having spousal approval to throw at a solution, when the Moon or the new Naim look very good for around $2000 less. I haven't heard or read if the MF will have Spotify/Tidal/Roon compatibility, although the internal storage would be handy. I'm not rushing this as it will be a product to last a long time in my system
blybo Posted May 1, 2017 Author Posted May 1, 2017 30 minutes ago, al said: Would be checking that out ... think cav sell it Not enough digital inputs and looks like only controllable via the cast app. Not sure how you would control a TT for example.
JukKluk2 Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 12 minutes ago, blybo said: It's not a matter of accumulating extra funds, it's a matter of having spousal approval to throw at a solution, when the Moon or the new Naim look very good for around $2000 less. I haven't heard or read if the MF will have Spotify/Tidal/Roon compatibility, although the internal storage would be handy. I'm not rushing this as it will be a product to last a long time in my system Spousal approval, both an irresistible force AND an immovable object. May your god(s) go with you. 1
blybo Posted May 1, 2017 Author Posted May 1, 2017 2 minutes ago, JukKluk2 said: Spousal approval, both an irresistible force AND an immovable object. May your god(s) go with you. I've got a good one, she bought me a JVC X7000 for Christmas 2015
Juicester Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 18 minutes ago, blybo said: I've got a good one, she bought me a JVC X7000 for Christmas 2015 Oh... so no upgrade in 2016?.... Dark times..... 2
rantan Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, blybo said: Now there's an absolute bargain. Pity I can't demo first... and don't want to rush into this just because a good price is available. I heard one of these some time back. Essentially, if you didn't enjoy the Peachtree, you won't like the Cyrus and they are routinely discounted by DWA and others Unlike the Cyrus, the little Naim Atom sounds marvellous and would easily drive your Spatials. Based on the fact that the Star is more powerful, it would sound even better and you get CD replay to boot. Of course the down side is no phono input on any of the new Naim Uniti series and I know you want a one box solution but many phono stages are very small and inconspicuous If I didn't have the gear that I do, The Star and a nice outboard phono stage would be simple and delightful Edited May 1, 2017 by rantan 2
betty boop Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 38 minutes ago, krebetman said: Bladelius? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Im sure there was a tasty 2nd hand minty one going here to, though can't remember if sold !
Guest Eggcup The Daft Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 1 hour ago, krebetman said: Bladelius? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Only a DAC in the integrated, no streamer.
captain.j Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 Perreaux Eloquence 150i or 250i (depending on you need/want for POWERRrrrrrrrr). Comes with phono pre inbuilt and DAC. Perreaux have just released a new internal DAC with the following specsTop of the line ES9038PRO DAC chipset.1 x Galvanically isolated, asynchronous (XMOS) USB input ..... DSD 256, PCM 384 capable2 x Coaxial inputs (192)2 x optical inputs (192)whatever that means. I just play records.Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Guest Eggcup The Daft Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 8 minutes ago, captain.j said: Perreaux Eloquence 150i or 250i (depending on you need/want for POWERRrrrrrrrr). Comes with phono pre inbuilt and DAC. Perreaux have just released a new internal DAC with the following specs Top of the line ES9038PRO DAC chipset. 1 x Galvanically isolated, asynchronous (XMOS) USB input ..... DSD 256, PCM 384 capable 2 x Coaxial inputs (192) 2 x optical inputs (192) whatever that means. I just play records. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Again no streamer...
blybo Posted May 1, 2017 Author Posted May 1, 2017 I heard one of these some time back. Essentially, if you didn't enjoy the Peachtree, you won't like the Cyrus and they are routinely discounted by DWA and others Unlike the Cyrus, the little Naim Atom sounds marvellous and would easily drive your Spatials. Based on the fact that the Star is more powerful, it would sound even better and you get CD replay to boot. Of course the down side is no phono input on any of the new Naim Uniti series and I know you want a one box solution but many phono stages are very small and inconspicuous If I didn't have the gear that I do, The Star and a nice outboard phono stage would be simple and delightful I'm not adverse to playing around with phono stages etc, have to keep some tinkering room. Pretty sure Naim use the din plug for phono input yes? Still leaves pre outs for sub. My one other issue was I want to buy a mini integrated like a 2nd hand ps audio sprout(or even more basic) to take a line out from main integrated and power my outside speakers independently Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
frednork Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 Have just done this (downsized to an all in one) to hopefully allow easier use by all in the house. I bought the Devialet on the forums last week at sub 6k. After a bit of mucking around I am pretty happy now that sound quality has gone up in most area's with the ability to "rock out" if required. My speakers are difficult to drive Duntech Princesses but the Devialet seems to be able to get them going. I suspect that another slave would really get things moving but so far I'm not feeling like I am missing out. The streaming thing is sorted by a pc/mac, tablet or phone which sends the data to the Devialet over the network. A lot of people seem to have had problems with this but so far so good. The Devialet specs are really quite astonishing and i think you can hear it. I wouldnt consider it a downgrade and once I can get my head around the size of the thing I think its probably significantly better. maybe you can have your cake and eat it too? 1
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