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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
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@usery  Fantastic! Congratulations on your "really f'ing good... unmitigated victory."
usery OP
131 posts
 
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



portlandiego
10 posts
 
@usery thank you! I hadn’t seen that one yet but I’ve been slowly making my way through all posted info... which seemingly is increasing. Incidentally, I posted a response on another thread that may be more appropriate here. I’ll copy and repost below. 
portlandiego
10 posts
 
From an older thread... I meant to reply here. Apologies for double posting:

It’s worth mentioning that a Micromega rep (in Portland, OR) confirmed that the phono stage remains completely analog. There is no digital conversion.

Another post in this thread mentioned something about the number of inputs. Seems like a lot of folks are overlooking the XLR inputs. These are analog — so even without balanced cables, a XLR-male-to-RCA-female adapter gives a second analog input. In a home audition, there was no discernible difference in sound from the RCA analog input (same RCA cables coming from an Oppo 203). And if you have the 205 you have the option to go fully balanced (sadly, I do not). That plus a phono stage makes three analog inputs. Optical input for a BluRay player, USB input for a computer, and an Ethernet cable for any over the air play and network devices seems like a whole heck of a lot of options to me. 

I believe the Micromega app has internet radio stations from all over the world and the same Micromega rep also confirmed Tidal is coming to the app within the next few weeks.

I spent a good amount of time with a demo unit and would be happy to answer any more questions!
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@usery  Please don't resist the urge 'towards hyperbole.' It's tradition 'round these hallways. 😊

Your excitement was genuinely felt. That's great!!! 

At some point, I recommend adding something like the Sonore microRendu (or equivalent USB in) or a device that allows you to go I2S direct or Ethernet direct (all with optimization for audio).

Keep us posted as you get to know your unit better. It's a terrific option for many, that doesn't get the airplay it deserves.
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