All-in-one integrated, 10-15K range, class A/B only


For a second system. I want to buy a SS all-in-one integrated. At least 200W in 8ohm.

When I say all-in-one means it has to have DAC built-in (preferable a very nice DAC commensurate to the price point of the system). I would highly prefer a streamer built-in as well.

Am super excited about the new Boulder 866. It seems to be the only one satisfying all the criterion.

Another option could be the Accuphase E-800 with DAC module (but no streaming).
DAG Progression but it crosses 18K without DAC.

Any other options?
I am not interested in anything Class-D. It has to be Class A/B amplifier.

Speakers are TBD as well.


essrand

Actually your wrong. There was a full at length discussion on AudioAfficionado about people’s experience with the E-800. GREG didnt know if he liked it or not at 250 Hours. At 400 Hours his opinion changed to a positive one....then he ditched it. Another E-800 owner chimed in to say he loved his and he preferred it MUCH more than his 590AXII. I believe the Moderator deleted these posts cause he sells the line. Ive already had the E-800 and flipped it. Accuphase doesnt excel at what I listen to which is the harder stuff. I also dont have The British Monitor type’s of speakers that works best with Accuphase. The poster above conveniently only used the comparisons he wanted to...to fuel his Luxman "Fanboy" posts. Well JAY just listed his Top 5 Fave Amps on Youtube...and LUXMAN wasn't included on the list. Guess you should switch brands now huh??

 There are MANY Youtube Vids with Accuphase products and they sound wonderful with the right speakers and music. Unfortunately there are some people that dont do the proper matching of Amps/Speakers etc...they report their findings/conclusions and then the "followers" take it as Gospel and poison the well (And other threads) with their misguided information. Its very unfortunate and this ignorance doesnt serve the hobby. Do your own homework and you will probably come out with different results.



@jo1mtb Hi and thats an excellent question. Its a difficult question because I heard them so far apart timewise. The 865 was a fine amp. At the time it seemed a little too chilly and clinical for me years ago. The Gryphon will find its audience and when I heard it it seemed a bit of a chameleon, maybe trying too hard to include some tube like cues. I wanted to want it but it just didn’t move me. The 866, for what it is, is simply amazing. As many of my posts indicate, I am biased toward tube amplification and am fortunate to have the room and the resources for multiple systems.

The Boulder checks all the boxes of the OP and the sound is sublime. If dead neutral is noon on the clock face and 11 oclock (warmer), the Boulder 865 would be at 2 oclock (cooler) to my ears, the 866 at 11. The Gryphon, I dont know maybe 10 oclock, maybe 11:30, its been too long. I believe though that if it had made a significant impression on me I would have bought it. I believe the DAC in the 866 is a real treat in this package. It is so well integrated, it performs far better than it has any right to and for many the 866 could be an end game piece. As Ive said before, and I realize I have a psychological problem in this regard, but somewhere in my house at all times there will always be a tube based system.

Another nice feature of the Boulder is the volume comes on ever so gently, maybe even too gradually for some. I would venture a guess to say that you could connect the 866 to horns and have tremendous range in the volume with an absolutely black background. How many of us have had systems where you maybe had usable volume range of only zero to 10 on your 100 step volume control and thats all? That isnt the boulder. On Sasha 2’s the listenable range for me is 40-65 and 70 is far too loud.

If you you like neutral with an ever so slight side dish of warmth, the Boulder 866 is the ticket. I find it humorous all the arguing over Luxman vs Accuphase vs Gryphon vs Pass vs whatever else. The Accuphase, Pass and Luxman don’t meet the OP’s spec qualifications and I find NONE of those in the same league as the Boulder. Some might prefer Gryphon, others the Boulder. Everyone should just go hear these amps for yourself, let your ears and your equipment align with your listening taste. The Boulder 866 isn’t quite as warm as the ARC reference separates it replaced but, given that I have tube based systems to listen to, I kindof feel like I have it all covered. I hope this helps.

Once again to the OP, listen to the choices out there and buy what you like, this is rarified air that you are flying in. Im not sure if things can get much better for an all in one streamer, dac, 200wpc at 8ohm that doubles into 4 ohms class ab amp than the Boulder. Listen, when you can afford to buy what you want, and at your budget you can, you should wait until you hear something that moves you.
If there is only one amp that hits all your boxes, then the choice is already made, ie, there is no choice, but only one option. So go ahead and swipe card. Why even bother discussing things.

But all these amp x is the best and most sublime, gods gift to mankind because its the most expensive...that is pure and utter BS. Most of us have no need to believe that because we don't drink that kool aid. This is similar to the review of Avik U380, a 40K class D amp which is god's gift to mankind, except it measured so bad in the bench that it was deemed broken in transport. Or that same designer's Raidho 2.5 way speakers costing $50,000. Getting stellar reviews by Absolute Sound. Yeah. Great stuff guys. I will buy a pair of $70,000 subwoofers to fill out the low end. And also buy $25,000 cables to "tighten" the sound signature.



You should audition Luxman 509 or 590axii.
I was also looking initially for all in one and hence bought Naim Nova. I was running (still run sometimes for a change) my aerial acoustics 7T with Naim Nova. I love them and still have it, probably will keep it. I recently bought Luxman 590axii, as I wanted more musical class A tube like sound. They are end game amplifiers. They have not even broken and am already in love with it. They are different level all together. They are more than sufficient to power any speaker with decent sensitivity. Their rated 30 watts is very conservative. I am using Nova as streamer/DAC to Luxman 590axii. Eventually I might change Nova to reference quality streamer/Dac. I am now researching which streamer/DAC to buy. The idea of all in one is always intriguing but I am settling for streamer/DAC and integrated amp combo. Again, keep Luxman 509 (if you want more dynamic sound) and 590axii (more musical) in your list.