I purchased a used Ace integrated from my dealer at a good price, and I was happy with it. The phono stage sounded pretty good in my system as well (at that time I had an old Grado MM cartridge), driving Dali speakers. My same dealer had a traded in 600i V2. It's a beast, and probably sounds incrementally, by a little bit, better. It has no phono stage or DAC. I traded in my Ace and got the 600i V2. I have heard that same amp drive big Wilson's, Audiovectors, Qlns, Dynaudios and Dalis, all with ease. Unfortunately, I know nothing about the sonic qualities of your current system. My advice, consider auditioning at least their integrated amplifiers. They are quite good. If you like one of their integrated amplifiers, then audition one of their all-in-one models. Who knows, maybe the DAC and integrated amplifier meets or beats what you have. FYI, I never used their MIND streaming platform enough to get used to it. I was not bowled-over by the interface, but that was a couple of years ago. I am an Innuos user now. As for MC cartridges, you may end up keeping a separate phono stage. Good luck! Let us know how it all works out. It's fun to try new stuff!
notable consolidation possibility, should I or not?
I am considering to take on a pretty good sized consolidation in my main 2 channel system that I use for both music and AV. Here is what I currently have:
- Audio Refinement separates (Pre5, Multi5 using 2 channels)
- modified Rega RP6 with AT-33PTG/II low MC using Jasmine LP2 mkII phono stage
- Cambridge DacMagic for AV signal and streaming via smart TV optical out
- ProAc studio 148s
I am considering consolidating the pre, the amp, the dac and the phono stage into a Simaudio 340i X (with dac, phono and balanced input cards). I did find a local Seattle area dealer where I can demo a 340i X but in order to get it in house vs my current setup, I need to purchase it and I only have a 7 day evaluation window for a full refund. Also, this dealer (Definitive Audio in Bellevue and Seattle) said they cannot list Simaudio on their available products page but really didn’t go into detail why, does anyone know why this would be? I really like the warmth and detail of the Audio Refinement / YBA signature which continues through with the Jasmine phono stage sound signature also. My current dac is decent and have no complaints about it.
What does everyone think of this consolidation? Will the 340i better the AR and phono stage separates plus still continue to deliver the warmth and detail I look for in a system? I have read that many like the warmth of the 340i but some have also said it can get edgy and fatiguing. My ProAcs can do that with certain source or equipment, so I have to be careful here. I’ve also read the 340i like their other integrated amps and phono stages are very quiet (I tried an I-3 in my system when the AR gear was getting serviced and it did not better my separates but it had no equipment noise and presented a very black background). The last thing I am concerned about is that the 340i does not have a tape or processor loop for any kind of tone adjustment via EQ or other options. I know their highest integrated option does but this is out of my price range.
Appreciate everyone’s thoughts and input in advance.