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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?

996turbo911
kirkwallace's avatar
kirkwallace
315 posts
 

@996turbo911 , on the NAD front, I have both the M33 (v1) and the M10v2 in different, secondary/tertiary systems,* and the M10 was an upgrade from the C700 v2  also mentioned above. From what you describe, if NAD is still in the running, the M33v2 would be my recommendation —-i.e., its performance is well worth the additional cost and the upgrades from the original seem very promising. The M10 v2 (which i chose over the v3 because i don’t need the phono stage) is fine in a small room with easy to drive speakers, but the M33 is up a whole level (the Purifi Eigentakt amp is much better than the Hypex NCore module in the M10.)  The M10 is pretty, though; and the M33 is also easy enough to look at.  (I would not recommend the C700 v2.)

I wonder whether anybody on here has or has auditioned the 

https://electrocompaniet.com/products/eci-6dx-mkii-integrated-amp-dac-streamer ?

There is one that the owner claims is in great condition on sale at a very tempting price : https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650261927-electrocompaniet-eci-6-dx-mkii-integrated-amp/ ;

and even the full price for a new one is quite in line with the other ones you’re considering. 

*  FWIW, and full disclosure, I am aiming to move away from the M33 to separate DAC and streamer and a better amp, but for now, it does a perfectly fine job running a pair of REVEL 226Bes in a room that is about 15’x28’ with 9’ ceilings.

Happy hunting!

andym23456
24 posts
 

I just picked up a brand new NAD M10v3 at The Audio Factory for $2100, saving $900. It does anything you could need and is expandable for surround sound and many wireless speaker groups around your property, in and out. Amazing doesn’t give the proper respect I have for it. Super clean, quiet and power’s my La Scalas very well.

Paired with any model Heritage Series Klipsch speakers and you will stream, play CD’s and Vinyl until you fall over. Good luck in your search.

parkergetdean
1,067 posts
 

@kirkwallace yes I have heard the Elektrocompaniet. It's not cheap. But high quality for sure, pairs well with warm-ish speakers

woutb
17 posts
 

On my budding shortlist for a future 2nd system, simple, elegant and high-performing (?*): 

The Grimm LS1be + LS1 sub + Grimm MU1 or MU2 DAC+ streamer.

Used prices may be a bit above your stated budget. 

*I only know them from their (great) reviews and I like the aesthetics. Would love to hear any owner feedback. 

ericba's avatar
ericba
148 posts
 

Another vote for Simaudio. Agree with @parkergetdean Simaudio is excellent +10 year warranty. They just released the Moon 370, as mentioned by @fastfreight . An all in one that benefits from some of their flagship North technology. I owned the 390 and it was great with DAC/streamer/phono. The Mind2 app is easy to use and Roon ready. My other go to would be the new Hegel 400. Can't go wrong with any of these two. For the speakers, the brands you listed are good choices. Would add Dynaudio to the list. Good luck and keep us posted.

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