I'm not a fan of all-in-one machines. Keep your digital gear separate, the digital world is still changing at a fast pace. Get a nice integrated amp but use outboard digital gear.
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.
- ...
- 20 posts total
+1, I also recommend an integrated amp for the same reasons stated above. DAC technology is constantly changing so a separate DAC is the best solution. I replaced my SimAudio 340i amp with the Musical Fidelity M6Si integrated DAC because it sounds much better than the SimAudio. I also use a separate DAC The Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp is configured as 2 independent monobloc power amps with a separate pre amp. It is, in fact, a pre amp with 2 monobloc power amps that just happen to share the same casework. The M6si has 220wpc. It has very low distortion, outstanding noise ratio and extremely flat frequency response. The amp is priced right and sounds excellent. |
Interesting @hgeifman, which DAC do you use? Not sure why MF would have such limited DAC inputs and very similiar limited phono MM / MC config options? |
Anytime you get an integrated amp with a dac, phono stage, streaming functionality, the manufacturer is putting compromised pieces together compared to separates. That’s not to say there aren’t very good all in 1 integrateds that sound great. Go 1 step further and don’t buy an integrated, get an active speaker like kef ls50 or the ls60. For your budget, I would check these speakers out |
- 20 posts total