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

Pathos Classic Remix Mk.II w/HiDac module..
Heaven 11 Billy Mk.III
Copeland CSA 100/150
Axxess Forte 1/2/3
Ayre makes one,can’t recall the model..
 Aesthetix Mimas w/DAC module 
Mark Levinson 5802/5805
You could also go full tube with the Audio Research i50 w/DAC & Phono modules available...
Speakers:Harbeth M30.2/3 Xd or M40 series,ProAc,Sonus Faber or Yg Acoustics...
 

The Linn Selekt DSM has everything that you are looking for.  Integrated amplifier that can run as many as 6 channels.  Dac choices that run from very good to fantastic.  MM/MC phone stage.  Roon compatible.  Most of all, it is modular so you can change with the ever evolving tech that we are all trying to keep up with.


It is difficult to find an integrated with good DACs as most are built to a cost limit vs sonic performance.

A few integrates with good DACs:

  1. Hegel H400 or H600 - very good DAC
  2. Aesthetix Mimas w/DAC module  - very good DAC
  3. Used Mola Mola Kula with optional DAC - great DAC

For sheer utility, reliability and great sound I love Bryston. They really don't make a bad sounding unit. I have a 90s era preamp that I use in the garage (I do a lot of projects there, it is not a throwaway space). It is a fine sounding unit. Not as good as my Pass/Ayre/Vandersteen system, but it does a really fine job on all kinds of music. I'm sold on them as an easy pick. I understand that the newer cubed models sound even better.