What's your best all in one HiFi System?

[Jasonovich]

I love the signature sound of my Atoll, this guy nailed it when he described the tonality as natural and organic. Not really had any experience with all in one systems but this YouTube reviewer sold it for me.

If I was considering an all in one, the Atoll SDA 200 would be high up my list. I like to hear from you, your personal choice.
@Revolutions . Matt, you decided to dispense with all those boxes, any regrets, what's your thoughts?

View: https://youtu.be/omiBR3lMQ3o?si=9iBWQXjueYP8OknH

 

[Rodolfo]

I love the signature sound of my Atoll, this guy nailed it when he described the tonality as natural and organic. Not really had any experience with all in one systems but this YouTube reviewer sold it for me.

If I was considering an all in one, the Atoll SDA 200 would be high up my list. I like to hear from you, your personal choice.
@Revolutions . Matt, you decided to dispense with all those boxes, any regrets, what's your thoughts?

View: https://youtu.be/omiBR3lMQ3o?si=9iBWQXjueYP8OknH

Having sort of grown up on "all in one systems", this wouldn't cut it as such for me -looks like another versatile modern (with-Bluetooth, stream-capable) device, though with superior tonality.

Heck, which speakers and which cables would require at least 3-4 threads with 30-40 posts, no? Plus, there's the device or devices required to run the required or enabling app.

I do still have a Nakamichi SoundSpace 8, an actual all (or most) in one. That even includes two remote controls -one big AND one small!! I don't recall whether it shipped with batteries.

Maybe we need modern terms for modern devices, such as an A-lot Atoll.
+++
Speaking of versatile, happy Dizzy Guillespie birthday to you and all.🍻🎂

 

[Al ears]

Define all in one.
This box isn't, in my opinion. It is a streaming amplifier and thats all.
i certainly couldn't use my turntable if I had one.

 

[Jasonovich]

Define all in one.
This box isn't, in my opinion. It is a streaming amplifier and thats all.
i certainly couldn't use my turntable if I had one.

I suppose an all in one is a Hifi unit that is functional on its own without requiring other external devices, I am of course excluding speakers. Having speakers built-in, well it's a different thing, it's a boom box!
Remember those, so glad to see the back of them. 🙂
You have a point. I think a streamer that's a DAC, a preamp and allows you to play music 🎵 from your network and USB, should be called an integrated streamer.
I'm just parroting the coined phase on the web All In One. it's really an integrated streamer.

 

[twinkletoes]

Naim super uniti if you're talking about just add speaker systems Is the best I've heard and owned .

I believe they should also have legacy inputs and not just analogue inputs but digital to allow connection to the internal dac for when the inevitable happens.

Should it contain a phono stage? well as long as it has legacy connections , a turntable with an inbuilt phono stage would be a great option while keeping the box count very low, a 1500c for example
and ill happily keep a CD player around though dont care if its internal or not.

T+A R2500 R would be a good example I guess, though very very expensive.

​

 

[Revolutions]

I’m super happy with my choice of ditching boxes when it comes to simplicity & sound quality @Jasonovich. Admittedly I’m using active speakers, so some of it is just moving boxes elsewhere, but of course the Linn Selekt DSM can also be loaded with a class D power amp. Going from WiiM, cd, phono pre, pre & power amps to just one unit is pretty damn awesome 😎

There are some trade-offs with something so complex, and sometimes they’re a little frustrating. It all comes down to the amp needing to be online to work, and pretty much everything being controlled by an app.

The only really annoying thing is the 30 seconds or so it takes for the amp to switch on. I do miss just pressing a button & things playing. Actually, turning on each speaker is probably more of a pain than waiting for preamp to start up.

Every now & again the amp freezes when streaming or loading things from the server. Currently in conversation with the help desk to try and solve that - when the network connection is internet router > mesh router > unit, there’s endless points of failure. Add in the NAS server & there are so many variables I can change across the network etc it’s over my head.

I still haven’t been back to the shop to pick up the remote control for the Linn. It’s a silly little thing, but always having to open my phone or iPad to change the volume is also a little annoying.

Overall, no regrets. Massive change in mindset about how I operate a stereo. And I’ve gone from “I don’t care about local streaming” to a NAS server & DSD files in a matter of weeks 🤣

 

[twinkletoes]

I’m super happy with my choice of ditching boxes when it comes to simplicity & sound quality @Jasonovich. Admittedly I’m using active speakers, so some of it is just moving boxes elsewhere, but of course the Linn Selekt DSM can also be loaded with a class D power amp. Going from WiiM, cd, phono pre, pre & power amps to just one unit is pretty damn awesome 😎

There are some trade-offs with something so complex, and sometimes they’re a little frustrating. It all comes down to the amp needing to be online to work, and pretty much everything being controlled by an app.

The only really annoying thing is the 30 seconds or so it takes for the amp to switch on. I do miss just pressing a button & things playing. Actually, turning on each speaker is probably more of a pain than waiting for preamp to start up.

Every now & again the amp freezes when streaming or loading things from the server. Currently in conversation with the help desk to try and solve that - when the network connection is internet router > mesh router > unit, there’s endless points of failure. Add in the NAS server & there are so many variables I can change across the network etc it’s over my head.

I still haven’t been back to the shop to pick up the remote control for the Linn. It’s a silly little thing, but always having to open my phone or iPad to change the volume is also a little annoying.

Overall, no regrets. Massive change in mindset about how I operate a stereo. And I’ve gone from “I don’t care about local streaming” to a NAS server & DSD files in a matter of weeks 🤣

I'll be following suit at some point I think. Been eyeing up a pair of JBL 4329p's for the better part of a year. I'll have change in the bank from the swap as well. So can't argue with that.

 

[Jasonovich]

I’m super happy with my choice of ditching boxes when it comes to simplicity & sound quality @Jasonovich. Admittedly I’m using active speakers, so some of it is just moving boxes elsewhere, but of course the Linn Selekt DSM can also be loaded with a class D power amp. Going from WiiM, cd, phono pre, pre & power amps to just one unit is pretty damn awesome 😎

There are some trade-offs with something so complex, and sometimes they’re a little frustrating. It all comes down to the amp needing to be online to work, and pretty much everything being controlled by an app.

The only really annoying thing is the 30 seconds or so it takes for the amp to switch on. I do miss just pressing a button & things playing. Actually, turning on each speaker is probably more of a pain than waiting for preamp to start up.

Every now & again the amp freezes when streaming or loading things from the server. Currently in conversation with the help desk to try and solve that - when the network connection is internet router > mesh router > unit, there’s endless points of failure. Add in the NAS server & there are so many variables I can change across the network etc it’s over my head.

I still haven’t been back to the shop to pick up the remote control for the Linn. It’s a silly little thing, but always having to open my phone or iPad to change the volume is also a little annoying.

Overall, no regrets. Massive change in mindset about how I operate a stereo. And I’ve gone from “I don’t care about local streaming” to a NAS server & DSD files in a matter of weeks 🤣

Yeah I have to switch on my Adam's individually but small thing, compared to the benefits. Oh welcome to the world of DSD Matt, so much better than FLAC!

 

[manicm]

I'm seriously eyeing the Roksan Caspian 4 streaming amplifier in the new year. It's a brilliant piece of kit that does everything I need. And a few reviews have been great. It's really a no compromise system, and while it's expensive, the identically priced new Cyrus 40 amp makes it look like a relative bargain.

 

[Jasonovich]

I'm seriously eyeing the Roksan Caspian 4 streaming amplifier in the new year. It's a brilliant piece of kit that does everything I need. And a few reviews have been great. It's really a no compromise system, and while it's expensive, the identically priced new Cyrus 40 amp makes it look like a relative bargain.

I have to agree with you, looks pretty awesome.

 

[plastic penguin]

I've never owned an all-in-one, the closest was Mrs. Ps Pioneer mini system from 25 years ago. It was horrible. It had a bass boom button that made things worse. It wasn't a patch on my budget separates.

 

[andybebbs]

lyngdorf 1120 fantastic amp

 

[Infiniteloop]

Not sure if this counts, but I absolutely love my Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition Amp/Streamer used with Meze Empyreans.

 

[RoA]

Cyrus ONE Cast.

 

[Roog]

On my return to taking an interest in Stereo after a 25 year break, I chose the Naim SuperUniti, I found it worked well for my needs at that time, with access to music on a local server, Tidal, terrestrial and web based Radio. It has a powerful amplifier and decent inputs and outputs, quite a swiss army knife of a device, although I note that some of these useful features have been removed from the device which superseded it, the NOVA, I wonder why? cynical me?

So all was good, except it wasn't, no native access to Qobuz , an OLED display which is on the blink and now no future software support from Naim after just a couple of years ownership.

As much as I like the NAD M33 a device which I have been considering for a while, I have decided that following my experience with Naim, a company known for its long term support of its products, I won't be buying another "All-in-one".

 

[GeoffreyW]

But the Uniti Star also plays CDs, so is more of an all-time rounder?

 

[Rodolfo]

I don't see one that is more than a some-in-one streamer with Bluetooth. Each is for "today's connected consumer", with some offering/requiring connection to an app and a device. Naim offers options on what to do without, but still be connected --and still look good! All of these are nice-looking units.

 

[Fandango Andy]

There probably isn't one. Everything is a compromise, and when you put everything in one box you are adding a lot of variables. Also, what is an all in one system? To some people an streaming amp may fit the bill but the next person may need CD. Others may want the ability to add to it later so the inputs may be important.

If I were in the market for one, I would do a bit of research online find the right spec and budget, then go into a shop and ask what the alternatives are.

Then I would post it on here and wait to be told I was looking at the wrong one, and I don't want what I think I want.

 

[Al ears]

There probably isn't one. Everything is a compromise, and when you put everything in one box you are adding a lot of variables. Also, what is an all in one system? To some people an streaming amp may fit the bill but the next person may need CD. Others may want the ability to add to it later so the inputs may be important.

If I were in the market for one, I would do a bit of research online find the right spec and budget, then go into a shop and ask what the alternatives are.

Then I would post it on here and wait to be told I was looking at the wrong one, and I don't want what I think I want.

Very true. An all in one can mean many things to different people.
the company T+A do some brilliant ones that actually do incorporate a CD player. They are very expensive but you get what you pay for assuming you do need to incorporate a CD playback device.

 

[Jasonovich]

I need to sell my kidney, is this the best £3.6K all in one?
Steve Huff doing his usual magic stuff.

Huff Stuff? Oh never mind

View: https://youtu.be/b9uG7hJhV-Y?si=ISDdSIC1npzivZp6

PS.
Love the aesthics of the new amp.

 

[Rodolfo]

The SOME-in-one streamer that "brings the artist into the room" is the only one worth all the cash any of these cost --though I don't need nor want that, except for maybe J-Lo.

 

[Al ears]

I need to sell my kidney, is this the best £3.6K all in one?
Steve Huff doing his usual magic stuff

View: https://youtu.be/b9uG7hJhV-Y?si=ISDdSIC1npzivZp6

PS.
Love the aesthics of the new amp.

View attachment 7759

Nice but not an all in one unless you have active speakers.

 

[Rodolfo]

Nice but not an all in one unless you have active speakers.

Precisely.