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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
 

Micromega seems pretty stable these days. The overhang really is no big deal

The M100 or M150 just got a rave review


kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 
Dave, what's you take on the Micromega MyDAC?

[OP: Sorry for a quick tangent.]
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david_ten
2,509 posts
 
@usery

I'd like to get this phase of my audiophile OCD over with in one shot, and not mosh about it any further in this lifetime.

Thanks for your direct response. Since you would like to be one-and-done, my advice is to save up for the right-for-you and 'long lasting' solution. 

Given your current budget, you will be leaving too much off the table (my opinion). 

My target for what you are trying to accomplish, would be 3X your budget (given the current offerings). Further, since a LAN input is a requirement...the upside of waiting is (in the future) more options to choose from.

If you need to make a decision now (at or just above your budget) I'd forego Room Correction and Ethernet In for an integrated with DAC option/module.

All the best with your search and choices. 
portlandiego
8 posts
 
@audiotroy i too am very interested in the Micromega and have few, if any reservations, including longevity (as mentioned above), but also the fact that there is class a/b amplification (heat?) in such a small package. i understand there's a fan inside? how does this work? is it always on? does it turn on only when needed? i imagine the amp must get very warm... does the fan affect sound quality?

a couple of other questions (that i can't seem to find answers to online):

-do all input analog signals (RCA/Phono) get converted to digital and then reconverted back to analog? if yes, i'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on pros/cons of this.

-what's the amp's capability of max current? for example, the HALO is 45 amps/ch!!

-how is the phono stage? would it be appropriate for a 2-3k turntable?

-i've seen on other forums that the m100 carries a 10-year warranty but have been unable to verify this on the manufacturer website -- can you confirm/deny?

-lastly, you mention the m100 just "got a rave review." can you post a link or send a PM? thanks!!

it goes without saying but i'll say it anyway: it's invaluable to have someone on these forums with access and insight to a very sophisticated product. one that will undoubtedly pave the way for more compact and sleep all-in-one packages! thanks in advance for taking the time to read my questions and, if you are so inclined, for responding for the benefit of all interested.
 
usery OP
72 posts
 
...my advice is to save up for the right-for-you and 'long lasting' solution...
... 3X your budget (given the current offerings). Further, since a LAN input is a requirement...the upside of waiting is (in the future) more options to choose from.

david_ten, thank you for more insightful feedback.  Indeed, you've talked me into waiting and saving up for the right all-in-one in this lifetime.

And for the next lifetime?  Hoping not to be so attached to objects  ; )
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