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Integrated amp + DAC + room correction all-in-one for Nola Boxer 1 + REL R328 sub

Dear forum,

I’m looking to upgrade my integrated amp + external DAC source to an all-in-one integrated amp + DAC + room correction box. Budget to $2500, may stretch to $2800 if super-compelling.

I currently use a Creek 5350se integrated amp, with external DAC input from a Yamaha RX-V773 AVR (TI/Burr-Brown PCM1681 DAC chip on whatever circuit Yamaha cooked up).

Loudspeakers are Nola Boxer 1 on Dynaudio Stand 4, and REL R328 sub connected by Neutrix cable to main L/R binding posts on amp. Loongg runs of ProWire speaker and Neutrix cables through crawlspace to loudspeakers / sub.

Music = classical + opera, electronic, new & old rock, alternative, trap, house

Room is 18’ x 12’ x 13’h average ceiling height (2808 cu feet), hardwood floors, random furniture objects. Speakers 6’ apart, REL sub in corner to right of right speaker, listening position 8’ from center of speaker axis.

Requirements (but will flex if compelling):

  1. one box, no separates: amp + DAC and ideally + room correction
  2. ethernet-in on DAC circuit <= can be talked out of this if sensible alternatives
  3. ’classic’ & useful front-plate design <= no NuPrime IDA-16
  4. simple, solid, non-stupid remote <= again, no NuPrime. Rogue doesn’t get hi marks here either
  5. known affinity with Nola Boxer 1 a huge plus

Here are units I’m researching in DESC order of coveting-ness:

  • Hegel H190 <= yes $4K USD srp, will stretch to $2800 to buy used
  • Parasound HINT6 Halo <= ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M DAC, new product, no reviews/track-record. No ethernet-in either. Will stretch to $2800 for used ... and probly have to wait a long time for that.
  • Creek Evolution 100A <= no ethernet-in. Eventual poor reliability experience with my existing Creek 5350se, which used a lo-quality ALPS input switch, which is failing
  • Micromega M-100 <= will stretch to $2800 for used. No ethernet-in afaict.
  • Rogue Cronus Magnum II <= reviews suggest cheap-feeling remote. No ethernet-in.
  • Yamaha A-S801 <= ’budget’ solution at $900 USD, ESS Sabre ES9010K2M DAC circuit. Needs Yamaha wireless connector for ethernet-in. May not have room correction?

All helpful feedback appreciated including units I haven’t considered. Relatedly, I’m wondering how much I’d give up if I went the ’budget’ route (Yamaha A-S801).
usery
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
1,621 posts
 
Usery the Micromega M100 is fantastic and it does have an ethernet port, and it sounds sublime I doubt you will find one that cheap however. 

The new Anthem STR integrated has a great built in dac, a powerful amplifer and room correction it is $4,500.00

The Anthem STR and the Hegel sound similar clean, dynamic with great bass, the Micromega is warmer and more melodic.

The Parasound Halo is a fantastic buy but the more expensive units do sound even better. 

Save your pennies and get the Anthem or the Micromega.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
jafant
10,525 posts
 
useryAnthem STR Integrated.  Check out the review on Stereophile.comHappy Listening!
usery OP
72 posts
 
audiotroy: ...get the Anthem or the Micromega

jafant: Anthem STR

Thank you both!
uberwaltz's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
uberwaltz
4,946 posts
 
If you are even remotely considering the 4k territory then you HAVE to demo a Lyngdorf2170.
Yes I am very biased......
Replaced well over 10k worth of seperates in my rig.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
david_ten
2,509 posts
 
That’s a lot to expect from a component, given your budget. Can you share more about your reasons for the focus on an all-in-one solution?
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