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.
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+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 |
The answer to your DAC question is complicated. Simply stated, I know when music sounds good and does not. Obviously (based on my MANY, MANY amplifier and DAC changes), I am not happy with audio equipment that does not sound good. So, yes, I sold both my expensive Brand X amplifiers (sorry, brand name is confidential) because they did not sound good. I asked several friends over to listen (both my Brand X systems) and everyone agreed with me (done over several weeks with multiple sessions). Both my Brand X amplifiers were very analytical, not musical and did NOT good in my in my system. Both amplifiers had VERY poor sound quality in my environment. I called my retailer and explained the situation and what I was looking for. We discussed the equipment options in detail, and he suggested I demo the Musical Fidelity M6Si integrated amp. I thought he was crazy (certainly certifiable!!). This is a HUGE downgrade in price BUT this amplifier sounds so good, I cannot believe it. I invited the same friends over and everyone agreed. They all said my system sounded much better than with the Brand X amplifiers. I am very surprised the Musical Fidelity M6Si amp sounds this good especially at its price level. My Brand X amp was several times more expensive. In my case, buying a more expensive amplifier did not necessarily mean better sound quality. Excellent sound comes from the synergy of all components, servers, amplifiers, DACs, speakers, cables, and the ROOM all correctly working together. In other words, a giant jigsaw puzzle when all the pieces are correctly connected. I was so impressed; I purchased a 2nd M6Si amplifier for my 2nd system. My main system has the MSB Premier DAC (ladder DAC), Premier Powerbase and Femto 93 clock and my 2nd system has the Bricasti M21 DAC (use ladder DAC setting). Both my DACs are connected to the Musical Fidelity M-6Si integrated amps using balanced cables. In my main system, I use the Analysis Plus Digital Crystal cable (Word Cable Connection) from my MSB DAC to my Aurender N20 Server to control the data transfer. I am thrilled with my decisions and have stopped looking for any new equipment. My above decisions are made based on my listening experienced in my listening area. I might listen to what others are saying but the final decision is mind based on listening in my home. I hope this helps. |
"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’ll take a shot at this. As a retired dealer in multiple markets, a dealer may be authorized to sell a certain brand in some markets, but not others due an established legacy dealer in the market. Listing the product as "available’ could violate the franchise agreement with the vendor -- and, they could loose the line. I had similar issues as a dealer, and it can be quite a minefield to navigate successfully. |
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I purchased a used Ace integrated from my dealer at a good price, and I was happy with it. The phono stage sounded pretty good in my system as well (at that time I had an old Grado MM cartridge), driving Dali speakers. My same dealer had a traded in 600i V2. It's a beast, and probably sounds incrementally, by a little bit, better. It has no phono stage or DAC. I traded in my Ace and got the 600i V2. I have heard that same amp drive big Wilson's, Audiovectors, Qlns, Dynaudios and Dalis, all with ease. Unfortunately, I know nothing about the sonic qualities of your current system. My advice, consider auditioning at least their integrated amplifiers. They are quite good. If you like one of their integrated amplifiers, then audition one of their all-in-one models. Who knows, maybe the DAC and integrated amplifier meets or beats what you have. FYI, I never used their MIND streaming platform enough to get used to it. I was not bowled-over by the interface, but that was a couple of years ago. I am an Innuos user now. As for MC cartridges, you may end up keeping a separate phono stage. Good luck! Let us know how it all works out. It's fun to try new stuff! |
I did the same thing with my Technics SU-G700M2. I don't use the phono section and the best part is, there's no off the shelf DAC in it as it's a pure digital amp. The resulting sound is wonderful. I bypass the DAC in my SACD player as well (except for SACDs) using the digital outs. Sometimes the best DAC can be no DAC. All the best, |
One thing to note here you are going from Mutli-channel gear, that you’re using 2 channel, to a dedicated 2 channel integrated likely it will sound better. It will certainly sound different, generally I agree with the guys above best keeping the Dac out of the amp. You can of course get the Simaudio minus the Dac card I’d say go to the dealer listen to the Sim but also see what other integrateds they have. Do some comparative listening and take something home to try out that you like in the shop. And I’m sure they have some Dacs to listen to there as well. |
The Pre2 is a completely analog preamp that is mostly 2 channel except for the DVD input, which I only use the front left and right inputs. I only use 2 channels on the Multi5.
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After some thought and reading through the posts, I don't think I am going to consolidate given the fact the I-3, the i3.3 and the 340i seem to be a very similar performing integrated amp. I did try an I-3 in my main system when I was getting my AR separates serviced and the I-3 did not better my existing equipment. Can anyone convince me that the i3.3 / 340i (which seems to be a i3.3 with a different faceplate) is that much better than the I-3, given that the local shop does not have any demos in the config I want that would allow a 7 day trial with full refund after purchase? A single box with such a quiet and black background with its amp, dac and phono stage is sure an attractive thing to consider. |
Finding an integrated with a great sounding DAC is very rare- usually available in more pricier brands/models such as the Aesthetic Mimas with the optional DAC card which got a great reviews. This integrated is a very high value offering from an established company with a great track record. Otherwise, it’s best to keep the DAC separate like many suggested |