I agree, I sold my Hegel for that reason - I couldn't stand the look.
I don't doubt that any of those speaker sound great. There are so many choices, I prefer smaller brands these days.
Suggestions for an all in one integrated with source built in
I'm looking to upgrade an old setup that I've had for many years. It lives in a seldom used (by me) vacation home so doesn't see a lot of action. But when I do use it, I tend to immerse myself in it for days at a time. I will have more opportunities to get out there in the upcoming years so I want to upgrade what I have.
The current system was assembled over 10 years ago using an April Music Aura Note V2 and a set of Wharfedale Jade 3 monitors. It's a delightful system for the price, but technology has advanced and I think I can do better now. Also my budget is much larger than it was back then.
I have a perhaps irrational interest in sticking with an all in one setup like this. Not sure why that is. Maybe I can be talked out of it, but I would like to explore what else exists on the market before I consider abandoning this form factor. It looks like a lot more integrated amps have onboard DACs so maybe this is not the limitation it used to be.
I don't play a lot of CDs any longer so a good streaming solution must be involved. Any new device is likely to have this covered. Don't care if it has a display or not, but a remote is required, I don't like just using my phone for that.
The speakers will be replaced with another set of monitors as well. I intend to try out some of the usual suspects like B&W 805 D4, Focal Sopra and Kanta series, KEF Reference 1 Meta, maybe some Harbeth and Spendor too. Might try some more adventurous brands if I can get my hands on demo units easily. Bottom line, I won't be using anything extremely difficult to drive, nor anything ultra sensitive.
A few ideas I had include the NAD M33 v2, Hifi Rose RS520, and the Naim Uniti Nova. What else should I take a look at?
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Integrated amps have come a log way. Most are D Class so the footprint is smaller and switch power supplies are smaller becuase the Class D's amps run cooler. Ive just gone through this so I'll give you some suggestions : Pro-Ject DS3 integrated ( power supply in the cord) $1500.00 and Bluesound N132 NODE1500 + $700 NAD c700 v2 streamer and amp $2000.00 NAD M10 v3 $3000.00 For speakers Sonus Faber Lumina II stands and your choice of a sub. Used REL subs are easy to found but I went with a new SVS becuase it has room control. Both NAD's have Live Direc and can be a game changer. Cables Telluium Q used if you can find them.
Richard |
I heard one of these Technics CD Receivers at the NY Audio Show last weekend, it was surprising how good it sounded It was playing this set of speakers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3Gc6jPMy7w https://tonianlabs.com/tonianacoustic.htm This is the best stand mounted speaker I ever heard, just outstanding!
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@elliottbnewcombjr I remember Tonian Labs from many years ago, did not know they were still around. Never heard them myself but their older small monitors were highly regarded. |
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