Thoughts on mini-systems...?T

[pstruck]

I'm in the market for a new hi-fi. It needs to be something compact, but with excellent SQ and functionality beyond just a CD player. I'm thinking of DAB, possibly Airplay (or iPod connection), maybe network connection (wired, or wireless).

My budget is up £1k, but if I can get what I want for less then all well and good.

There seems to be plenty of praise for the little Marantz MCR603. Likewise the Arcam Solo/Mini/Neo. Then there is the Myryad Mi, which is an intriguing prospect. I've also stumbled across the Denon DF109DAB, but there's not much out there in the way of review info.

Anyone here have any of these, or wish to express an opinion? I know there's no substitute for demo'ing them, but try and find a dealer anywhere that has all these. The Denon for instance is not universally stocked and the Myryad I believe is pretty much run-out now.

[pstruck]

To add, I have pair of PMC DB1i speakers, so on my budget I guess whatever I get won't be restricted by these.

[Crackie]

Teac's Reference mini systems might fit the bill. Amp + Asynchrous USB DAC + Streamer fit the budget.
http://www.whathifi.com/news/update-teac-announces...

[clockworks]

Don't worry too much about Airplay. An Apple Airport Express, plugged into a spare input, will take care of that. The Apple Remote app will be far easier to use than trying to control an Airplay amp with it's remote.
I've got Airplay on my Denon AV receiver. It works, but navigation is a nightmare.

[miniman]

Have a listen to one of these.

http://www.whathifi.com/review/denon-d-m39dab

[Jobbo]

clockworks said:

Don't worry too much about Airplay. An Apple Airport Express, plugged into a spare input, will take care of that. The Apple Remote app will be far easier to use than trying to control an Airplay amp with it's remote.
I've got Airplay on my Denon AV receiver. It works, but navigation is a nightmare.

Isn't the point about Airplay that you control the music on your iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad but it plays through the stereo? That's how it works on my Marantz MCR603.

The Marantz is a good device, and I'd recommend it, but I didn't try the Arcam. I have a Denon DM38 as well and the Marantz is much more proper hi-fi than that. I suspect the Denon CEOL thing is pretty much identical to the Marantz internally since they're the same company; it has wi-fi where the Marantz doesn't but there were some other spec differences too which pushed me to the Marantz.

[matt3001]

This.

http://www.naimaudio.com/hifi-products/unitiqute

[pstruck]

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions so far. The little Marantz does get some very good reviews and seems more than capable of doing justice to expensive speakers, so I think that one remains firmly on the shortlist. I think if I’m to go with Naim it would have to be the UnitiLite, as the UnitiQute doesn’t have a CD player built in, which I want.

[matt3001]

pstruck said:

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions so far. The little Marantz does get some very good reviews and seems more than capable of doing justice to expensive speakers, so I think that one remains firmly on the shortlist. I think if I’m to go with Naim it would have to be the UnitiLite, as the UnitiQute doesn’t have a CD player built in, which I want.

You could rip your collection 'lossless' and setup a NAS though? Bit of extra work but once its done you can always get more streamers for other rooms?

[pstruck]

matt3001 said:

You could rip your collection 'lossless' and setup a NAS though? Bit of extra work but once its done you can always get more streamers for other rooms?

True, but this move away from CD and into streaming goes against the grain a little for me. I'm trying to move with the times, hence the desire to buy a network player, but it's a 'one step at a time process'.

[matt3001]

pstruck said:

matt3001 said:

You could rip your collection 'lossless' and setup a NAS though? Bit of extra work but once its done you can always get more streamers for other rooms?

True, but this move away from CD and into streaming goes against the grain a little for me. I'm trying to move with the times, hence the desire to buy a network player, but it's a 'one step at a time process'.

Fair comment.