Another candidate not mentioned is the Bel Canto e1x integrated amplifer. A very high quality product.
All-in-One units for retiring audiophile & music lovers in 2025, say what?
A good audio buddy friend closing in on his later parts of the golden years contacted me over the holidays. He started talking rather excitedly about these new all-in-one units. [Please disregard if this is nothing new for you and/or not of any real interest]. This story and ask below might not resonate with some. Hopefully others who can relate might reply, understanding a lot of what this is really about. A winding down audiophile friend, looking for simplicity of listening to music is what I can share up front.
I found my audiophile friend's [all of the sudden] inquiry interesting, me asking what he's looking at buying - say what?, and starting to ask him "does it sound good, look good, is it light weight or heavy, could you see it replacing everything as your new center piece in your big room, and all the other stuff gone - really?", "Say more". He started to share more. Please read on if any of this is resonating, Thanks.
We start talking and reminiscing about our early Go-To receivers from the mid 1970s. The big all-in-one boxes. Wider cases, big transformers, powerful, weighty, great FM tuners, tone controls, Big Stereo Sound. How it was back then - simple to listen to FM, big roller dial, plug in your turntable, tape decks, and enjoy the music for days. No other worries, let it play. Remember doing that? I bet many members here on Audiogon lived all of that too, and none of us will ever forget it. I won't.
I also bring this up because It dawned on me, I started asking myself wow - is this really occurring all over again in some new and exciting way. Like a giddy kid I start researching with him seeing more - woah, what? I did realize some of this [sort of an era renewal] was already occurring past few years, still not quite aware myself of what's out there, or coming back, maybe puzzled a bit and curious.
Seeing more videos, familiar reviewers, all touching on this topic past 1-2 yrs. Then you see some of the same new units popping up with all of the reviewers, hmmm.
So my fairly extreme multi [tube/amp/component] audio buddy [past 60 years] starts showing me these new generation [mostly] solid state units he's been looking at, seemingly ready to hang up ALL of the separate components. Says he simply wants "one box" now to "do it all", "getting rid of all this other stuff", to just "play music" and "be done". These were his exact words recently. Some may relate here. It kinda hit me. Something to be said for simplicity and just listening to music. Yes.
Next Generation -
Looking closely at these new units with my friend - seeing somewhat old-familiar design approaches, renewed, by real engineers. Ahhh, hey, there we see big transformers, a stout amplifier section, nice capacitors, thick copper wiring, big screws on power caps, robust binding posts, nice built in DAC, built-in streamer with tons of access, yep - tone controls, loudness control, low noise, meters, lighting - hmmm what's going on here. I soon realized I too need to pay attention and look around more closely - to see what he's really looking at and why. It starts to make a lot of sense, it's coming into a focus, just like the '70s era receivers were.
Fast forward a few weeks - Buddy just ordered his new all-in-one unit, maybe downsizing speakers. He's dropping back down to a new/familiar 70s style midsize speaker as well. He was initially anxious, a little nervous maybe, wondering - and decided to just go forward and "not look back" he says. Some of you may already be well down this path, or even doing this in 2nd, 3rd systems now. The whole thing is sort of a throwback [in some ways] to me, sort of what it use to be like 50yrs ago. Or feels that way to me. They say great ideas recycle back to themselves. Maybe so. Observing closer now.
Wow, wouldn't it be really cool if it could be all done really well, in one-box, once again? No more separates component listening - just hit the power button one time, turn up the volume, and let it play in the big room, listen, walk around, no worries - just let it play for days on end. I bet many here totally get why I posted this. It's for an audio friend.
ASK:
Please share your story. It would be so cool for him to read any of your stories. I know he would be interested and appreciate your wind-back consolidation journey too - if you have one like his to share in some way. Particularly those who've made great strides towards major consolidation and still enjoying the music. Dear buddy is starting the journey now to separate himself from his vast array of separates, lots of stuff, selling everything else soon, and going back to "one box" for simple music in the big room. I'm supporting him along the way on this particularly journey.
Thanks a million in advance for your replies - care to share your familiar story at all?
121 responses Add your response
@decooney thx for the photo assist !,,, https://www.audiogon.com/systems/7106#&gid=1&pid=20 I added a couple of Apogee system pics on my vintage system page if my insert fails… A look thru that system might give you and others the versatility of the Atom. …fun little beast i am loving this thread….thanks big time |
That's a lot packed in two speakers.
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decooney It is a lot, and they are not cheap at $15,000; but for an all in one box and for speakers that really deliver.....the Dutch and Dutch are a really good solution. I (nor any of my audiophile friends own them), but the have really impressed me the handful of times I've listened to them at shows. Not sure it matters to anyone (other than me), but they also support the BACCH plugins |
Quite interesting, these Dutch & Dutch truly demonstrate the art of the possible when it comes to all-in-ones, consolidation. and they reportedly "sound great" too. As for sound, IIRC you are not the first person to mention this, another colleague here on Agon mentioned these to me a year ago and howe they sound. Hmmm. Subs too !?!:
True All-in-One concept:
Self destruction, Warranty coverage considerations: ???
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I highly recommend the Naim Unity Nova all-in-one integrated amp. It’s got streamer/DAC and integrated amp all in one unit. All you need is a pair of speakers. It sounds very musical. The original Unity Nova (original version) currently retails for around $7k ish. The newer Unity Nova PE (newer version) retails for $10k. ghdprentice recommended Linn Klimax DSM earlier but the Klimax DSM doesn’t have a power amp. It’s only a streamer/DAC with built in volume control (preamp) but the the volume control or the preamp section can be bypassed and use the Klimax DSM strictly as a streamer/DAC (source component). The OP was asking for an all-in-one integrated amp (all-in-one unit). The Linn Klimax DSM wouldn’t do it since it doesn’t have a built in amp. The Klimax DSM is a very musical wonderful sounding unit and is one of the best sounding streamer/DAC in one unit combo. and it’s very expensive but the sound quality and musicality is top notch. |
Yes, only Linn Majik has the amplifier and it is a an all-in-one integrated amp. Majik is the entry level series in Linn products. Klimax is the flagship or top of the line series in Linn products. Yes, the Klimax DSM sounded fantastic but it’s expensive. I think the current model of Klimax DSM currently retails for over $40k new. You can bypass its preamp section (volume control) and use it strictly as source component as a streamer/DAC and connect it to an external separate preamp. I once heard the Klimax DSM in an all ARC setup where the Klimax DSM was used strictly as source (streamer/DAC) only and was bypassed its preamp section. The Klimax DSM then fed into an ARC REF 10 tube linestage preamp, which is an ARC flagship linestage preamp, which then fed into two pairs of ARC REF 75SE monoblock tube amps in bi-amping configuration driving a pair of Sonus Faber Aida ll speakers. Wonderful setup. FYI, the Aida ll speakers can be tri-amped. I’ve also heard the Klimax DSM in all Linn Klimax setup and system and they were also fantastic sounding. But since OP was asking for an all-in-one integrated solution I think the Naim Uniti Nova would be the best option if he’s willing to spend that kind of money. Of course he can look for a used Uniti Nova which can be had lot cheaper than new. I’ve heard the Nova multiple times hooked up to different speakers each time and I loved the sound of that Naim. I’m a fan of Naim. The Uniti Nova crushes the Linn Majik DSM all-in-one integrated amp sonically but is also quite a bit more expensive than the Linn Majik. . |
Update - I’m the OP, and this thread was posted for a friend who is winding down from a collection of SET, PSE, pentode tube amps, tube preamps, fair collection of tubes, speakers in transition, and more. He started out the search with the Naim Unity Atom and soon to be trying out the new Yamaha R-N2000A all-in-one streamer amplifier. Fits the bill for a new room move that’s not optimized for audio. Has minimal room correction, bass/ treble tone controls, loudness control. All he wants and needs for his winding-down front room system. Moving to the main family room, not ideal, best he can do and consolidating. Might be picking up some 3-way Wharfedale speakers next, and stands for fitment. A small tube system for the office and that will be it, Roger That, over and out. If the new all-in-one system goes "good enough", the collection of 1-3 yr tube amps, tube preamps, all the tubes in tubs, and recently new horn speakers all goes up for sale in a few months on USAM, or Agon, and/or eBay next. He’s trying, needs to, and while not overly thrilled with all of it appreciates the help so far. Thanks! |
@decooney Hey thanks for the kind words. We have no local 'real' audio dealers unless you count best buy, sams and walmart. No real source of serious gear. Everything that steps up to serious gear is multiple hours away from me. And I just cannot make those kinds of road trips now. Too old too tired and too many other things to manage while the house is being rebuilt. ARGH. I would love to have a local B&M store to visit and ultimately support, but its totally off the table. I will only buy major ticket equipment from sources that offer a home trial with the ability to return if its unacceptable. That will surely limit my choices, but in my biosphere, traveling 3-4 hours to visit my audio dealer is unacceptable. I don't enjoy driving much anymore. At least not in traffic with distracted drivers more interested in their cellphones than actually driving their car. No thanks, I will stay at home where I am less likely to die in a preventable accident. @asvjerry Hi Jerry, thanks for your insights. And yeah, revising the approach thruout the house is an ongoing project. I want good video capability in any room except the kitchen. For office space, I am considering a wall mounted TV that I can watch videos or live tv on in addition to a desktop monitor with good quality 2 channel audio. This becomes the practice room for the trombone and bass guitar as well and provides a decent ( I hope ) listening environment separate from the theater room. My wife often wants to watch things that I have no interest in seeing and having my own refuge in my office that gives decent sound and relatively immersive video would be a great solution to differing tastes in programming. So the office becomes listening room, practice room and substitute TV room. I can downgrade from 5 to 2.1 channels with minimal suffering in that space. I might change my mind later but for now, 2.1 seems adequate. That way I can close the door and work or play or relax and not worry about my wife doing her thing in the theater room. The kitchen will likely be powered from the main theater room system with its own amplifier. And possibly the garage too, though I am inclined to do bluetooth from my phone to a stand-alone system there. Still working on solutions that offer the most flexibility without breaking the bank. Part of all this depends on how the insurance company is to deal with. So far we have found them not to want to play nicely, so until we can get a sense of what their bottom line really is, all plans are in a serious state of flux. |
@livinon2wheels *mmm*...'insurance company'....caught in flood or fire? Bad form, that....;) Lots of options when rebooting from scratch, but can make one crazier.... Heretic I is, running a distribution amp for some of the drivers, while having a separate receiver or so driven by source into the tape loop(s) and just using just the amps....for that which wants MORE...can pick the watts per driver type and size. If one can 'tolerate' less than SOTA at some locations, opt for more 'garden variety' cables...save the SOrTA for the more 'important space(s)', and send only source to where one could have an intergrated (or not) D and the speakers there. Go HDMI, optical.....whatever one can squeeze out of insurance granite... Hard to convince suited strangers that things musical are important to This Client. Very happy that Helene left yours unruly and spouse with ringside seats without the blood or the boxer... "Another fine mess...." >>>Refraining from the political issues 'n all that swirl around 'clean-ups' and all involved with such. Let's continue to have some fun for a change, *huh*? ;) 👍<<< |
....I could 'nightmare up' some outrageous options, but the budget goes *FOOM!* Yeah, I'd like to win a Lotto. No, don't bother to call, email, or show at the door.... Check for staples in your underware...;) Paranoid?,,,,perhaps... Deviant? Yes. |
To @livinon2wheels understood and I'm helping a few friends staying local that is. To your point, you pretty much have to demo things these days anyhow to know that it's a good fit or not. Agree about crazy drivers on their phones and driver assisted cars with people falling asleep at the wheel - good grief. Good for you for making this a best practice in your own home and you have time to do it which is important too. I'm about to consolidate some more myself, have a full 5.2 home theater system, along with my main 2 ch audio system, along with secondary amps and preamps and stuff like that. It will be tough to part with things that I have now and the only way to know is in-home demos for sure. Thanks for the reply. Take it easy. |
@asvjerry Yeah it was a fire followed by Fire Department induced flooding, All the flooding did was save items in good enough shape to identify what they were. Of course, not all things were identifiable since the garage burnt to the ground and left nothing but rubble. The fire was plenty hot enough to melt aluminum, fueled by chemicals and gas and propane and lets not forget the oxygen and acetylene bottles....yeah it was pretty intense. Lost two motorcycles and a ton of tools and equipment related to racing, plus one car burned...my insurance is now nearly unaffordable. So to say we are pretty unhappy with the situation is a fair understatement, and the lack of cooperation from ins. co. is off the charts. No joy or fairness there at all. Cannot say everything I would like to since it is an open unpaid claim so far. @decooney Yeah I have the time to do the research and make decisions based on reasonable educated guesses now. Its going to be a lengthy process and in some ways I am dreading the length of time it will take to get things processed thru to a point I can sit back and enjoy them again. I'm a long ways away from that at this point. I'm guessing I will still be in process a year from now but that is just a guess. You have what I had but the list of whats left in the aftermath of the fire is heavily truncated. Very little was saveable. I was in an enviable position of really liking what I had and so much so, I wasn't looking to upgrade anything except maybe the TV in the theater room. Other than that I was fairly happy with what I had and how it worked. Thanks for your interest and comments. Much appreciated. |
A few years back before I retired I sold my very nice Conrad Johnson tube separates along with some large floor standers and bought a SS integrated. I combined it with some monitors. Source remained vinyl at the time. Not really sure why I did it other than reading threads like this and other articles saying you could attain the same sound quality with a lot less. So I figured what the hey, I can be practical too. Of course encouragement from my better half was no help. It didn’t take long before I was back on the merry-go-round though. Now years later I’ve got more than I had before I retired. Plus I have a vacation home as well and even though I’m only there periodically find that my system there also has to compete. Since retiring I did sell my analog rig and records, but have found that a digital source and all that goes with it can be a bigger money pit than vinyl. I think I’m on my 5th DAC and 4th streamer. What can I say other than I guess I’m still an audio fool at heart, just several years older. Maybe I just need a different (and cheaper) hobby. Used to be sex, drugs and rock n’roll. Now just have to settle for rock and roll, lol. |
