notable consolidation possibility, should I or not?

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 2^nd 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. 

“7 day evaluation window for a full refund.”

You will know by end of 7th day trial if 340i X floats your boat or not. I would take the leap if you’re truly looking to consolidate. I also downsized from a pre, amp and a phono 3 years ago to a Accuphase E-650 integrated. Couldn’t be any happier! 

@sbrownnw

"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.

I have a Hegel H390 integrated with a built in dac. The dac is good, but not great and ended up buying a Denafrips Pontus ll dac. Having said this, I am still very happy with the sound of the Hegel.

All the best.