Congratulations ... Keep us updated...Thanks david_ten, will do.
Integrated amp + DAC + room correction all-in-one for Nola Boxer 1 + REL R328 sub
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):
- one box, no separates: amp + DAC and ideally + room correction
- ethernet-in on DAC circuit <= can be talked out of this if sensible alternatives
- ’classic’ & useful front-plate design <= no NuPrime IDA-16
- simple, solid, non-stupid remote <= again, no NuPrime. Rogue doesn’t get hi marks here either
- 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).
- ...
- 63 posts total
For those interested
here's a preliminary report for my Micromega M-100.
These are initial impressions right after setup, with < 90
minutes of listening time. Thanks again to all for the insight
& comments. Config:
Listening log: CD (redbook):
1. Excellent, elegant appearance and build quality: case,
rear panel, front panel display. Rear of case design not the
friendliest / pragmatic-est (overhang constrains available
space for handling interconnects) 2. Remote exudes material quality but ergonomics and usability are challenged: awkward one-hand operation due to size, shape, weight & button layout. Maybe I just need to practice. 3. Micromega M-One app for Android extremely unstable - crashes frequently during operation. That's too bad: can't reliably control the amp from beyond range of physical remote (see #2). Haven't sent feedback to Micromega yet. Sound quality: In short: pretty f'ing good. No, really f'ing good. Interim verdict: so far, unmitigated victory for my requirements. All-in-one that does it all, most importantly kicking ass on sonic quality. |
Congratulations...david_ten thanks ... and thanks for reminding to resist my own urge towards hyperbole ; ) i too am very interested in the Micromega...portlandiego: here's a white paper from Micromega, was helpful for me during due diligence: http://www.micromega.com/downloads/white-paper-UK-v2.pdf |
- 63 posts total