Integrated amplifiers with built-in streamer.
- Thread starter gerlando
- Start date
Eyebroughty
JohnC
Hello Mauro,
The Linn Majik DSM is very good, tried and tested, software for the app is good and does most of the main streaming services.
Either a second hand one or the new Linn Majik DSM are worth a look, I have one and they are really good, lots of power to drive difficult speakers.
https://www.linn.co.uk/uk/network-music-players/majik-dsm
Cheers
John
The Linn Majik DSM is very good, tried and tested, software for the app is good and does most of the main streaming services.
Either a second hand one or the new Linn Majik DSM are worth a look, I have one and they are really good, lots of power to drive difficult speakers.
https://www.linn.co.uk/uk/network-music-players/majik-dsm
Cheers
John
flutteringwow
She called me baby, like an old romantic
Depends what you want, they are never gonna set your world alight if you used to high end separate components, but then the same could be said by someone using monoblocks over an integrated.
I found the cheaper ones just a bit boxy, fairly standard, decent, nothing special.
These types of amplifiers are everywhere, so getting a demo should be fairly easy. Look towards something like a Naim Uniti Nova to get something with a bit more punch.
I found the cheaper ones just a bit boxy, fairly standard, decent, nothing special.
These types of amplifiers are everywhere, so getting a demo should be fairly easy. Look towards something like a Naim Uniti Nova to get something with a bit more punch.
Amber Audio
This is the Day
Make sure you check out the Apps you can use with it, some of the supplied ones are dire. I’d go with a Pi or Bluesound Node into a normal integrated amp personally, that’s based on having had a few all in ones including a couple of high end units such as the Lyngdorf 3400.
What streaming service and interface do you use?
If you are networked with ethernet and streaming is your main source say through Spotify, then a Hegel would be my recommendation as there are less compromises than the others on your list IMO.
If you want added feature set - Wifi and Bluetooth then a used Uniti Atom would be nice.
For a full feature set, then one of the others on your list would fit the bill nicely, although haven't read great things about DTS Stream-fi, so would be wary of the IAG products.
If you are networked with ethernet and streaming is your main source say through Spotify, then a Hegel would be my recommendation as there are less compromises than the others on your list IMO.
If you want added feature set - Wifi and Bluetooth then a used Uniti Atom would be nice.
For a full feature set, then one of the others on your list would fit the bill nicely, although haven't read great things about DTS Stream-fi, so would be wary of the IAG products.
unit
pfm Member
I love my UnitiQute 2. Clear, punchy and a little sweet sounding. It did a marvellous job driving my Rega RS3s and sounded pretty great with my Ovator s400s too. Adding a NAP 200 def added dynamic punch though.
The built in streamer works well. The app is good, although I see _many_ areas for improvement. Spotify and Tidal are very reliable.
My only concern would be support and repair on the digital side of things as it ages.
The built in streamer works well. The app is good, although I see _many_ areas for improvement. Spotify and Tidal are very reliable.
My only concern would be support and repair on the digital side of things as it ages.
gerlando
Prog Rocker
I already have a Bluesound Node 2i with Exposure 2010S2 amplifier.
I am just attracted to the idea of reducing space by eliminating the streamer box and the headphone amplifier box.
I have read good things about the Hegel H90 / H95.
Cereal Killer
432
My advice would be not to include the steamer, USB DAC yes. ideally with a plugin module/board.
Amber Audio
This is the Day
Yamaha R-N803D is a bargain for the features/performance and often available with a discount from the likes of Richer and Peter Tyson.
The Lyngdorf 1120 and NAD M10 which includes BluOS are worth considering. Not owned any Hegel.
https://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/r-n803d/index.html
https://lyngdorf.steinwaylyngdorf.com/lyngdorf-tdai-1120/
https://nadelectronics.com/product/m10-bluos-streaming-amplifier/
I appreciate Hegel's minimal / purist approach with limited inputs as I don't want Bluetooth or wifi. The headphone amp is good too.
If you plan to use Roon, be aware that the H95 doesn't (and has no plans to) support it.
Del monaco
Del Monaco
Yamaha 803D any day of the week. Proper vfm.
gustav_errata
pfm Member
Be sure to weigh the pace of change in the digital streaming world versus your desired pace of change in hardware. If you're looking to hold on to the device for more than 5 years, you might consider keeping streaming separate to avoid your whole amp becoming obsolete (conservatively probably more like 10 years but still....), unless you're ok with eventually having a major component of the amp being less useful.
As an example, I speculate that a lot of the old devices from 5+ years ago that had Spotify support built-in via their libspotify development library will increasingly be left behind for features like lossless playback.
As an example, I speculate that a lot of the old devices from 5+ years ago that had Spotify support built-in via their libspotify development library will increasingly be left behind for features like lossless playback.
simon g
Older, wiser but no longer retired
Even if that were to come about, the whole amp certainly wouldn't become obsolete. The streaming functionality may become compromised, but a separate streamer could be used, eg a Node, or whatever.
Having said that, I would also advise in favour of a separate streamer. It allows much greater flexibility and future proofing. Apps are essential to the operability and experience; if you have a separate streamer you can always change that to reflect changing requirements, poor app support, functionaily issues, et al.
If you really do want just one box, then you need to decide on a budget. All in ones range from a few hundred to £10k or more.
gustav_errata
pfm Member
Agreed, hence the second phrase "...unless you're ok with eventually having a major component of the amp being less useful." Admittedly a poorly structured sentence.
Basically, at some point, you're either going to have to replace the whole amp with a new streaming integrated, or you're going to have to buy a new streamer. Might as well buy a top notch amp and then upgrade the streamer separately as and when necessary.
Bob Edwards
pfm Member
Hi. I've not heard them all, but of the ones on your list I'd probably go the Hegel route. If you don't mind expanding your list, I'd echo the suggestion of the Linn Majik DSM. It sounded unabashedly GREAT.
What speakers do you use? That's a rather significant part of the equation.
Finally - I love your tag line - "why is nothing ever simple?" Indeed!
gerlando
Prog Rocker
I have a pair of Guru Audio QM10, but most of the time I listen to my HifiMan Sundara or Sennheiser HD650 headphones via a Lehmann BCL headphones amplifier.
I’ve had my eye on the Lyngdorf mainly for the ‘Room Perfect’ processor, what didn’t you like about it?