In search of an integrated amplifier (class d preferably)

[ErkyPerky]

I have no amplifier at the moment and looking for an all in one solution, so I have been looking at the audiophonics da-s250nc which has been reviewed quite well in here. This is a good plug and play for watching tv and gaming via optical but also I can connect my iPad via usb. The other day I have been searching audiophonics website and they have the ap310-p250nc. I also have a topping e30 ii lite dac lying around and I'm wondering if anyone can help me What's the pros and cons of these integrates with built in dac or get one without and add my dac I already own.

 

[kemmler3D]

What's the pros and cons of these integrates with built in dac or get one without and add my dac I already own.

Pro:
Fewer boxes and cables in the room
Easier to set up

Con:
Some integrated products compromise performance on at least one component
Can be expensive compared to combining a variety of good budget options
If one part fails the whole unit may need replacing

If you already have the Topping and you just need an amp, you can just go for a Fosi, 3E or Aiyima amp to save money, or go for an audiophonics Hypex amp to get better performance. The gain from going for an integrated amp will mostly be aesthetics / convenience, which may be worth $$$ to you.

 

[ErkyPerky]

Thanks for the reply. The main reason I have audiophonics on mind is that it has a remote which I need for convenience. Also these two integrated amplifiers are hypex Ncore.

 

[Multicore]

What inputs do you need?

 

[ErkyPerky]

All I need is a pre out for adding a sub later on. But input-wise just to add my topping dac which I don't want to sell because it's good enough I guess compared to an internal dac.

 

[Chrispy]

Does the pre-out actually provide bass management, tho?

 

[ErkyPerky]

No, it's just unfiltered audiophonics say

 

[killdozzer]

All I need is a pre out for adding a sub later on. But input-wise just to add my topping dac which I don't want to sell because it's good enough I guess compared to an internal dac.

It's true you can use pre out for a sub, but perhaps it'll ask for some more in depth info and tinkering. Since you're happy with Topping and you're taking into account Class D, Topping also has some quite decent amps. Few have been tested here on ASR with enviable results.

So, you just plug your Topping DAC into a Topping amp and you're good to go.

On a side note, compromised DACs are less of a rule and more of an exception. On ASR you can also see some amps with internal DACs tested.

 

[ErkyPerky]

Yes true, and I have been going through the reviews on ASR and the audiophonics da-s250nc caught my attention as it's a good price all in one with built in dac and remote. But also the audiophonics ap310-p250nc looks interesting to as they seem similar but this one has analogue inputs to add my topping e30 lite dac that I already own.

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi,
I understand your desire to hold onto and use the Topping DAC but, honestly you are just adding a redundant box in your chain. If you want one of those Audiophonics integrated (and they do look good) then you don't need a DAC, not for anything to do with improving the sound anyway.

If you want to keep your Topping DAC then look instead at power amps, Hypex included.

 

[ErkyPerky]

So what your saying is buy the audiophonics integrated with the dac inside instead of the one without the dac as it will be pointless adding it? I thought adding an external dac would be better in a chain than having an internal one( obviously it's all about the implementation of the unit).

I don't really need separates as this is only for bedroom use and not main room listening.

 

[JeremyFife]

So what your saying is buy the audiophonics integrated with the dac inside instead of the one without the dac as it will be pointless adding it? I thought adding an external dac would be better in a chain than having an internal one( obviously it's all about the implementation of the unit).

I don't really need separates as this is only for bedroom use and not main room listening.

That would be my preference.

The measured differences between a good DAC and an excellent one (the indicative scales used in ASR reviews) are not audible. There may be measurable differences, but we can't hear them.
Choose a DAC for the features, and if the Audiophonics integrated has the features you want then it has everything you need. It is indeed pointless to add an external DAC.

 

[Waxx]

The internal dac of the Audiophonics is on level with the external (most are not in integrated amps, but often still good enough) so no need to use the external one. But if you also got analog sources it can still be better to use the amp without the dac, as the other does not have analog in i thought.

 

[Multicore]

All I need is a pre out for adding a sub later on. But input-wise just to add my topping dac which I don't want to sell because it's good enough I guess compared to an internal dac.

Have you looked at a WiiM?

 

[ErkyPerky]

Have you looked at a WiiM?

I have but streaming network amplifiers don't do it for me as I use apple music on my iPad connected via usb I can access all streaming via apps.

 

[Multicore]

I have but streaming network amplifiers don't do it for me as I use apple music on my iPad connected via usb I can access all streaming via apps.

Ok.

What, then, are the functional requirements, subtracting out the power amp section?

Or, put it another way, relative to a dac with a volume control matched to a power amp, what's missing?

 

[ErkyPerky]

I could do that, or just buy the da-s250nc or sabaj a30a and be done with it.

 

[Multicore]

I could do that, or just buy the da-s250nc or sabaj a30a and be done with it.

Then I would do that. It gives you more choices now and in the future. The integrated amp market isn't what it was.