I must say, I truly enjoy your love of good HiFi and the exquisite way in which you articulate it. This piece is certainly out of my realm of possibility for now, but you provide a moment of vicariously enjoying it. Thank you.
T + A gear always looks good and for the price it should. I feel it needed to be an SACD player to be the ultimate high end all in one ! Might as well cover all bases !
I am with you here. I own a DAC 200 + MP 200 from T+A, can't say good things enough, but the MP does not spin SACD. I believe they have MP 2500 R that does play.
This belongs in my mom's TV console, right above the combo DVD/VHS player. It's a bad idea to combine an amp and streaming client in one box. The amp will age nicely, but the streaming bits will age like cheese on a hot day, and you'll soon be left with an expensive box that is half-obsolete. That USB-a jack is already obsolete. The only thing worse would be adding a CD play... oh, now I see that, too.
Will be hard to sell, imo. Audiophiles tend to go separates, while normal people will hardly spend that much just to listen to music. I wonder what the intended target market is.
Brilliant review! Having moved from a 10 box Naim stack to my present Burmester 082 integrated, I can vouch for the simplicity factor. I was a separates “snob” myself and I know there are plenty of those around.. I’d highly recommend the 082 as a super fine integrated amp. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles, but boy, is it good 😊
I do like the "all-in-one" concept and followed that track several years ago. I purchased an Integra DRX-5.2 which had all I needed, including network streaming support for Tidal. It works and sounds great for our needs except that the network streamer function needs updating. Since Integra went under and re-emerged as essentially a different company, they dropped firmware development for products prior to their rebirth. I am now researching a separate network streamer to keep current with what he need to accomplish. Going forward, I am leaning in favor of separate components when those particular components are likely to need frequent updates (ex., a network streamer).
I don’t like all in ones! If something brakes or gets outdated then the whole thing is useless or half useless… I always prefer simple stereo amplifiers. They last longer and you can add anything you want in the future! Plus they cost way cheaper. I think you pay 2x or even 3x price to get things like hdmi ,streaming, dacs etc… It shouldn’t be like that.
Well said . My Marantz sound processor broke. An Authorized repair center stated the parts weren't available. A newer model would have been 4k. Went back to 2 channel.
I agree with you. I just recently decided to go with integrated amps in both of my systems, but I have an external DAC and external streamer. I’m ok with the preamp and amplifier in one package depending on the brand. I’ve gone back in forth with separates and integrated. Positives and negatives with the integrated for sure.
Finally a YT video talking about the virtues of an all-in-one product. You don't need to spend north of 10K for this kind of utility. Yamaha has a great series of network receivers (sans CD) that work very, very well and cater to almost all budgets. The RN1000 hits the sweet spot IMHO. Of course, the industry makes a lot of coin building and marketing separates, as do hifi reviewers. So yeah, we will just have to live with that.
I'm not sure if it's an age thing but I am preferring the less faff that these all in ones can offer as opposed to system building. I simplified my listening with a Mytek Manhattan II that just needs my CD & Vinyl source and the 8C active speakers to listen to it all. The T+A looks well thought through, at a price, and gives you loudspeaker choice to suit your room. Love the retro VU meters but the 2500 is a bit of a tank to look at (like some of those old 70/80s units) but we hall have a different view of aesthetics. I guess the only weakness of this design approach is faults but I maybe at that price T+A might provide a loaner rather than leave the customer musicless? Nice review.
From working with electronic designs that are much higher frequency and much less tolerant of error I can support that a single box with shortest path lengths should be able to provide the best signal and overall best quality all other things being equal (parts quality, noise, interference, power supply, heat, etc). Naturally it isn’t for everyone, and may not be as fun for many. It may not even be preferred for some due to reliability concerns. All that said it is very cool to see an integrated box made to this level and what can be done in that space.
@DarkoAudio thank you for another nice review. I really didn't expect the conclusions you've explained, and that's very good because it's a device that simplifies things without compromising sound quality. Another thing you've mentioned, and which I always advocate for as well, is that we are reducing connection cables and signal paths, and if it's well designed internally, it's an advantage. The DAC and CD, along with the integrated phono preamplifier, are the most surprising. Finally, it also reminds me something I use, which is that a good AVR is an almost all-in-one device (it doesn't have physical sources, but many do have radio and streamer), and there are brands like Arcam that make very high-quality audio equipment. And... yes, you also mention the AVR. You shouldn't have any complexes, and often the simplest solution is the correct one.
I really like the idea. The part that costs the most of any separate component is the casing so having just one casing for it all makes a lot of sense. I'm glad to see that it has a CD player but it is a shame that it's a slot loader. That they included the CD player is for me further evidence that CDs are making a come back. I use them as my primary source now. I'm so glad I never sold my CD collection actually.
All-in-1 v Separates: You have to consider the additional costs of multiple chassis + multiple power supplies & additional cables + cords. That's the value of an all-in-1.
Great video! A shoot out with this one plus Hegel H600 and Mc MA12000 would be a very interesting one. I've been into audio for a long time. Have a full blown scale separate system, but if starting today, this could easily be the way to go without sacrificing listening pleasure.
Great video! Seems like an excellent piece of equipment. I don’t understand all the moaning about the price in the comments. While I could only ever dream of owning such a thing, the world of reviews would be a dreary and desolate place if it were limited only to what I consider affordable.
I think pre-amp and amp as a combined device makes sense. But anything mechnical like the cd player isn’t a wise choice long term due to wear and tear and likelihood to need repair.
Great video, thank you John. I like personally the old school industrial design. I may have missed the cost comparison, if you made one, the T+A sure is a space saver sitting on the sideboard.
Comments below are like people on car websites complaining they don't like the look or price of the latest Ferrari. Almost none of those people are the target market for it. Ferrari doesn't care. Neither does T+A. Thanks for the review John. Something like this as a retirement gift to myself would be lovely.
Yeah good analogy. "I like brand x y z that also drives me from A to B. Why do I need to spend this much?" If only they'd have a slightly more open view and consider when, why and for who products like this make sense. I'd doesn't have to make sense for you in order to acknowledge it can still be good.
For those of you (like me) from outside the US who were confused by the comments suggesting an alternative, risqué, meaning to T+A, I think this is it. "T&A is an informal American English term for entertainment that is characterized by the deliberate display of the female form. The term is believed to have originated in the 1970s." If I'm wrong please enlighten me. Edit : Ah! Now I get it...
When CD does not eject or load, you'll have to take that 14K All-In-One paper weight to service tech then wait a few weeks to be repaired. Front load CD receiver or CD tray should be obsolete, banned, bannished , lock them up throw away the keys etc !! Top load CD's are more reliable.
I can absolutely relate, being a lawyer in the USA. I left my job to focus on some health issues and it was the right decision. Good luck with everything!
Great video John! Love to see an all in one that aspires to be an ”end game” piece. The price is totally subjective, I don’t think many people would be dumbfounded by a 14 k stack of gear, but make a great solution that sounds amazing… If you can’t afford it why get upset, just appreciate learning about a cool high end unit and all the music recommendations.
Sorry, at that amount I would do separates for future upgrade options. The amp section might be future-proof, the DAC and streaming options are definitely not future proof.
I had separates, now owning a all in one and I miss the separates. It’s not only the sound but the love in craftsmanship and technology for most of us Hi-Fi enthusiasts why we often prefer single components. I am also a bit paranoid, if there is some defect most likely your whole system is gone and not only a tiny part of it😅.
Same here. I gave away my Technics amplifier and JPW Sonata speakers and replaced them with a pair of Q-Acoustics M20 powered speakers. The M20s are very good with ample connection options including apt Bluetooth. But on certain music I felt they needed a bit more sparkle. The M20s are now in the bedroom. In the lounge is now the Rotel A11 Tribute amplifier paired with a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze speakers. I'm now happy.
There is definitely a place for them some people especially in the uk want decent sound and don’t have the space I don’t like to generalise but I find most audiophiles are to a some degree snobs and a bit closed minded these all in ones are popular and there are more of them for a reason
I think separates vs all in one will be determined just as much on how affordable home ownership will be in the coming years. Since investors in the US are buying up houses, I think all in ones are more sensible for renters, especially in smaller spaces. Hopefully we'll see some that are more affordable, and modularly upgradeable like some of NAD's stuff, for future proofing purposes.
I prefer separated components. My parents had a Fisher system that played Vinyl Records, Playtapes and tapes/cassette. When CD players appeared they had to buy a new system. If I buy separate systems I can just upgrade one part of the system but keep using the rest
0:39 can someone please tell me what cabinet this is? I’ve been looking everywhere for something similar and can’t find anything. I thought it would have been in the Solid Steel link in the video description but didn’t see it there. Any help would be appreciated.
Another great review - many thanks. I'm a convert to the future-fi way of doing things. I know you can only comment on what you have, but for future articles/reviews, it would be interesting to know how this unit compares to other single-box solutions, like the Naim Uniti range. That said I appreciate there is a significant price difference between them.
JD...on the off chance you see this comment there is a free vinyl record waiting for you at Jacksons Records in NK. Thorsten has it for you,. It is my first full length album...two of your videos were a major inspiration for this music journey (nothing to do with hifi and probably best told over a coffee or bier)
If the CD player starts to malfunction in five years, as they always do, you get it fixed. What do you do in 10 years when the CD player malfunctions and no repair shop will fix it? All in one has always been a bad idea for expensive Hi-Fi equipment. It is the opposite of "Future-Fi", it guarantees obsolescence.
Thanks John, appreciate your insights and the work you put in. I'm glad it exists: it looks great and seems to perform well, so a lot of attention to detail throughout. I wonder if it's a future classic? It would probably need software updates to deal with whatever we and the robots come up with next, and I guess that's one area where the separates have the advantage: a choice of inputs, including ones that haven't been invented yet.
T+A stands for Theory and Application and was founded in 1978. In the US they have been increasing their distribution channels to include companies that carry a much wider brand array like Upscale Audio. I have a PA3100HV integrated amp paired with T+A transmission line loudspeakers. Some of the T+A components can compete directly with the ultra high-end Swiss gear such as CH Precision. For example the T+A SDV 3100 HV Reference Streaming DAC w/ Preamplifier cost ~$39,000USD.
T+A‘s industrial design to me always carries vibes of 70s BRAUN hi-fi components that Dieter Rams drew, of whom Apple‘s Jon Ive was so fascinated. I wouldn‘t spend that kind of money on a system (yet), but maybe that day will come in my (even) later years. It‘s a beauty for sure.
Great review. I love all in ones. Started with an AVM Inspiration CS 2.2 later an Evolution CS 5.2. The T+A (I call them „T und A“) is definitively on my list when considering an update - beside the AVM Ovation CS 8.3 or the Evolution 5.3.
I’m also a happy user of AVM 5.2. Bought it second hand. Though, for the streaming experience, I’ve added a WIIM Pro which feeds into the AVMs DAC, to extend/ improve the streaming performance. The app for the AVM leaves a lot to be desired…
All-in-one systems possess a unique charm and style that separates simply can’t match. While 14,000 Euros might be a bit much, there’s something undeniably appealing about all in one units. However, units with built-in speakers, like the Cambridge Audio Evo One or the first-generation Bose Wave are cooler in my opinion. These compact, charming setups may not rival the sound quality of a separates system, but that’s not really the point. It’s about their distinct character and the impressive sound they deliver, considering their size.
Many Thanks for the Global Communication - Pentamerous Metamorphosis recomendation and this FSOL Mind Maps 5, I didnt know about them until now...and..Im a kind of Global C. nerd as well. I will listen to it in my humble ES 503 of dB tehnologies.
Almost all in one. No subwoofer output with bass management seems like an oversight on something this expensive. Also, it wasn’t really clear on the video - when you’re adding the phono board, do you have to choose MM vs MC?
Unlike the previous reader/viewer I am in total agreement with a simpler system. Cleaner, easier, no fuss. As long as the sound and build quality is there.
It's a lovely all in one system. Gotta love the all silver theme. So much better than black units....shame you can't review some of the Schiit power amps eg. Vidar etc
Separates have the ability to be upgraded one by one. More new gear fun over time. All in ones can be way cheaper since it only has one chassis. The chassis is a big part of the production cost.
THanks for the review. Indeed such all in one is attractive and could be the solution. Yet I do wonder about the reliability of this type of tool, especially with regards to cd transport. What is T+A servicing policy when the product will be no longer in the product line.
The shortest paths is a problem when the speakers cannot be situated right next (2 m) to the electronics. In big rooms, where the speakers could be as far as 3-4 m away from the turntable, CD, etc., a power amplifier can be placed close to the speakers (1 m), while receiving the signal from a preamplifier plus electronics situated 4 m away. There is not way to do this with a single box solution. There is also the issue with the streaming capabilities of the single box. What if a new streaming service takes over Spotify or Tidal, and it cannot be implemented by T+A? That is another reason for going with separates.
Beautiful production, John. The comparison was very interesting. What would you say is the total price of the stack you put together here, with cables? Thanks
T+A has maybe one of the most impressive tactile experience from all audio brands. The engineering is so well done. Even when you never play music, just turning a knob from time to time gives you pleasure.
If this is not for the audio nerd than it needs to look better. It's not ugly but it doesn't wow me. I find the Cambridge Audio with its more minimal look just nicer. Even the TEAC has this utilitarian esthetic to it and some nice details that are just missing on the T+A
FSOL have made many of their releases prohibitive to purchase for us here in the US. I finally broke down about 6 weeks ago when they unearthed some more Mind Maps 1 and put together an order of every CD they had in stock.
It just reminds me of the 70s all in one's many of our parents had in their front rooms. Hifi is cyclical, though to be fair not many of those were hifi. In other words, it's not a new idea.
Seeing now what has been made possible with the WiiM amp pro and Eversolo products, I think a high quality box like this could be done for under $4k. My biggest fear is the obsoletion of the smart features. Amps and preamps don’t really go obsolete, but streamers are still evolving. I’d hate to be saddled with a $15000 streamer.
makes a LOT of sense.... there is probably a tipping point where integrating separate components is detrimental but this seems to hit the right balance between the two ideologies
I must say, I truly enjoy your love of good HiFi and the exquisite way in which you articulate it. This piece is certainly out of my realm of possibility for now, but you provide a moment of vicariously enjoying it. Thank you.
T + A gear always looks good and for the price it should. I feel it needed to be an SACD player to be the ultimate high end all in one ! Might as well cover all bases !
I am with you here. I own a DAC 200 + MP 200 from T+A, can't say good things enough, but the MP does not spin SACD. I believe they have MP 2500 R that does play.
This belongs in my mom's TV console, right above the combo DVD/VHS player.
It's a bad idea to combine an amp and streaming client in one box. The amp will age nicely, but the streaming bits will age like cheese on a hot day, and you'll soon be left with an expensive box that is half-obsolete. That USB-a jack is already obsolete. The only thing worse would be adding a CD play... oh, now I see that, too.
Spinning away really is glorious. I had to pause the video to give it a listen
So good. You articulated the type of user who would gravitate towards this perfectly.
Always happy when Thomas Dolby gets a shout out ☺️ ♥️
Jesus, I love that introduction sequence. Stepped up the game here!
Wow, I just simplicity of that unit makes me wonder what I would do with all that time. I would have to listen to music. !
Wow, I would love this! Sadly out of my reach :) One of these days maybe! Thank for the review
WOW ALL of that for only 14.5 Euros WHAT A DEAL!😂😂😂
Cool intro music . As usual. Very eighties, which is a good thing
Will be hard to sell, imo. Audiophiles tend to go separates, while normal people will hardly spend that much just to listen to music. I wonder what the intended target market is.
Brilliant review! Having moved from a 10 box Naim stack to my present Burmester 082 integrated, I can vouch for the simplicity factor. I was a separates “snob” myself and I know there are plenty of those around..
I’d highly recommend the 082 as a super fine integrated amp. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles, but boy, is it good 😊
Damn, $19000 is a real commitment for this unit.
No cheap as chips!!!!!!!
I do like the "all-in-one" concept and followed that track several years ago. I purchased an Integra DRX-5.2 which had all I needed, including network streaming support for Tidal. It works and sounds great for our needs except that the network streamer function needs updating. Since Integra went under and re-emerged as essentially a different company, they dropped firmware development for products prior to their rebirth. I am now researching a separate network streamer to keep current with what he need to accomplish. Going forward, I am leaning in favor of separate components when those particular components are likely to need frequent updates (ex., a network streamer).
Turnkey and understated. Turnkey is good ! There is a market for this. Nice review John !🙂 The music that opens the video is nice too.
Great video my friend. Your presentations are flawless and very cool. Can only dream of gear this expensive. 🤗
I don’t like all in ones! If something brakes or gets outdated then the whole thing is useless or half useless… I always prefer simple stereo amplifiers. They last longer and you can add anything you want in the future! Plus they cost way cheaper. I think you pay 2x or even 3x price to get things like hdmi ,streaming, dacs etc… It shouldn’t be like that.
Like most people that follow this hobby I guess.
I don’t like all in ones for those reasons, but I might be able to get on board with some all in twos or threes.
Well said . My Marantz sound processor broke. An Authorized repair center stated the parts weren't available. A newer model would have been 4k. Went back to 2 channel.
I agree with you. I just recently decided to go with integrated amps in both of my systems, but I have an external DAC and external streamer. I’m ok with the preamp and amplifier in one package depending on the brand. I’ve gone back in forth with separates and integrated. Positives and negatives with the integrated for sure.
Totally agree 👍
Finally a YT video talking about the virtues of an all-in-one product. You don't need to spend north of 10K for this kind of utility. Yamaha has a great series of network receivers (sans CD) that work very, very well and cater to almost all budgets. The RN1000 hits the sweet spot IMHO. Of course, the industry makes a lot of coin building and marketing separates, as do hifi reviewers. So yeah, we will just have to live with that.
I'm not sure if it's an age thing but I am preferring the less faff that these all in ones can offer as opposed to system building. I simplified my listening with a Mytek Manhattan II that just needs my CD & Vinyl source and the 8C active speakers to listen to it all. The T+A looks well thought through, at a price, and gives you loudspeaker choice to suit your room. Love the retro VU meters but the 2500 is a bit of a tank to look at (like some of those old 70/80s units) but we hall have a different view of aesthetics. I guess the only weakness of this design approach is faults but I maybe at that price T+A might provide a loaner rather than leave the customer musicless? Nice review.
From working with electronic designs that are much higher frequency and much less tolerant of error I can support that a single box with shortest path lengths should be able to provide the best signal and overall best quality all other things being equal (parts quality, noise, interference, power supply, heat, etc). Naturally it isn’t for everyone, and may not be as fun for many. It may not even be preferred for some due to reliability concerns. All that said it is very cool to see an integrated box made to this level and what can be done in that space.
@DarkoAudio thank you for another nice review.
I really didn't expect the conclusions you've explained, and that's very good because it's a device that simplifies things without compromising sound quality.
Another thing you've mentioned, and which I always advocate for as well, is that we are reducing connection cables and signal paths, and if it's well designed internally, it's an advantage.
The DAC and CD, along with the integrated phono preamplifier, are the most surprising.
Finally, it also reminds me something I use, which is that a good AVR is an almost all-in-one device (it doesn't have physical sources, but many do have radio and streamer), and there are brands like Arcam that make very high-quality audio equipment. And... yes, you also mention the AVR.
You shouldn't have any complexes, and often the simplest solution is the correct one.
I really like the idea. The part that costs the most of any separate component is the casing so having just one casing for it all makes a lot of sense. I'm glad to see that it has a CD player but it is a shame that it's a slot loader. That they included the CD player is for me further evidence that CDs are making a come back. I use them as my primary source now. I'm so glad I never sold my CD collection actually.
Thanks for the DSD info. I’ve been struggling with inoperable files and you answered my question.✌️
Its quite a nice unit - my wife would love it I am sure. I kinda prefer to pick/mix match standalones though.
All-in-1 v Separates:
You have to consider the additional costs of multiple chassis + multiple power supplies & additional cables + cords.
That's the value of an all-in-1.
Great video! A shoot out with this one plus Hegel H600 and Mc MA12000 would be a very interesting one.
I've been into audio for a long time. Have a full blown scale separate system, but if starting today, this could easily be the way to go without sacrificing listening pleasure.
Love my Roon Nucleus One! All I can say is WOW!
Great video! Seems like an excellent piece of equipment.
I don’t understand all the moaning about the price in the comments. While I could only ever dream of owning such a thing, the world of reviews would be a dreary and desolate place if it were limited only to what I consider affordable.
I think pre-amp and amp as a combined device makes sense. But anything mechnical like the cd player isn’t a wise choice long term due to wear and tear and likelihood to need repair.
Great video, thank you John. I like personally the old school industrial design. I may have missed the cost comparison, if you made one, the T+A sure is a space saver sitting on the sideboard.
I prefer separates myself. I think I always will, even if that means foregoing the advantages of things like active speakers.
🙋♂️JOHN,🤗 the 2500 is a nice looking piece and a lot of features😎💚💚💚
Comments below are like people on car websites complaining they don't like the look or price of the latest Ferrari. Almost none of those people are the target market for it. Ferrari doesn't care. Neither does T+A. Thanks for the review John. Something like this as a retirement gift to myself would be lovely.
Who cares if T+A or Ferrari care?
I don't care if either of you care if T+A or Ferrari care that you care or don't care.
@@mephistoGRlooks like a lot of people writing comments do
Yeah good analogy.
"I like brand x y z that also drives me from A to B. Why do I need to spend this much?"
If only they'd have a slightly more open view and consider when, why and for who products like this make sense. I'd doesn't have to make sense for you in order to acknowledge it can still be good.
@@jimfarrell4635 (Your care) × (Their care) ÷ (T+A care + Ferrari care) = ∞ (I don’t care)
For those of you (like me) from outside the US who were confused by the comments suggesting an alternative, risqué, meaning to T+A, I think this is it.
"T&A is an informal American English term for entertainment that is characterized by the deliberate display of the female form. The term is believed to have originated in the 1970s."
If I'm wrong please enlighten me.
Edit : Ah! Now I get it...
This is not the T&A you are looking for.......
It’s as if Rotel and Yamaha had a love child … which was subsequently adopted by a stinking rich millionaire.
It looks very nice, but at that high price, what is the market? You could have a pair of Dutch&Dutch 8cs and buy a network CD/SACD player.
When CD does not eject or load, you'll have to take that 14K All-In-One paper weight to service tech then wait a few weeks to be repaired.
Front load CD receiver or CD tray should be obsolete, banned, bannished , lock them up throw away the keys etc !!
Top load CD's are more reliable.
I can absolutely relate, being a lawyer in the USA. I left my job to focus on some health issues and it was the right decision. Good luck with everything!
Great review. Thank you!
Great video John! Love to see an all in one that aspires to be an ”end game” piece. The price is totally subjective, I don’t think many people would be dumbfounded by a 14 k stack of gear, but make a great solution that sounds amazing… If you can’t afford it why get upset, just appreciate learning about a cool high end unit and all the music recommendations.
Sorry, at that amount I would do separates for future upgrade options. The amp section might be future-proof, the DAC and streaming options are definitely not future proof.
The streaming Segment ist replaceable und upgradeable. You can now upgrade your gen. 2 streaming boards to a gen 3
I had separates, now owning a all in one and I miss the separates.
It’s not only the sound but the love in craftsmanship and technology for most of us Hi-Fi enthusiasts why we often prefer single components. I am also a bit paranoid, if there is some defect most likely your whole system is gone and not only a tiny part of it😅.
Same here. I gave away my Technics amplifier and JPW Sonata speakers and replaced them with a pair of Q-Acoustics M20 powered speakers. The M20s are very good with ample connection options including apt Bluetooth. But on certain music I felt they needed a bit more sparkle. The M20s are now in the bedroom. In the lounge is now the Rotel A11 Tribute amplifier paired with a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze speakers. I'm now happy.
There is definitely a place for them some people especially in the uk want decent sound and don’t have the space I don’t like to generalise but I find most audiophiles are to a some degree snobs and a bit closed minded these all in ones are popular and there are more of them for a reason
I’ve spent significant time listening to the regular PA2500 integrated. Great sounding amp.
I love this all in one box I had separates I decided to get the Buchardt A10s that’s me sorted wife is happy too.
John have you heard about Peter Lyngdorf’s latest project? RADIANT ACOUSTICS CLARITY 6.2. Really interesting speakers and technology.
I'm happy about my used Naim Uniti 2 for 950€....;-)
I'm a huge fan of your work of course but i'm a more huge fan of your new USM side board! 🤩Good color choice to.
I think separates vs all in one will be determined just as much on how affordable home ownership will be in the coming years. Since investors in the US are buying up houses, I think all in ones are more sensible for renters, especially in smaller spaces. Hopefully we'll see some that are more affordable, and modularly upgradeable like some of NAD's stuff, for future proofing purposes.
I prefer separated components. My parents had a Fisher system that played Vinyl Records, Playtapes and tapes/cassette. When CD players appeared they had to buy a new system. If I buy separate systems I can just upgrade one part of the system but keep using the rest
That is the sell for me.
0:39 can someone please tell me what cabinet this is? I’ve been looking everywhere for something similar and can’t find anything. I thought it would have been in the Solid Steel link in the video description but didn’t see it there. Any help would be appreciated.
It's from USM. USM Haller
You need to brush up on your design classics knowledge 😊
The USM Haller "furniture system" has been part of MOMA New York for many years
Cheers
Another great review - many thanks. I'm a convert to the future-fi way of doing things. I know you can only comment on what you have, but for future articles/reviews, it would be interesting to know how this unit compares to other single-box solutions, like the Naim Uniti range. That said I appreciate there is a significant price difference between them.
JD...on the off chance you see this comment there is a free vinyl record waiting for you at Jacksons Records in NK. Thorsten has it for you,. It is my first full length album...two of your videos were a major inspiration for this music journey (nothing to do with hifi and probably best told over a coffee or bier)
I bought one of these back in ‘88. Ha! Seriously, seems capable and convenient.
If the CD player starts to malfunction in five years, as they always do, you get it fixed. What do you do in 10 years when the CD player malfunctions and no repair shop will fix it? All in one has always been a bad idea for expensive Hi-Fi equipment. It is the opposite of "Future-Fi", it guarantees obsolescence.
Maybe you're just using shitty cd players?
I've had some for 20 years and they still work fine
thanks for the video, comparison with Hegel H590 would have been interesting if you still have it....
I still have it but not in Berlin. Sorry .
I love all in ones!!!!
I want a comparison with the Hegel H400. Try to have both at the same time.
Cool video. Thanks
Thanks John, appreciate your insights and the work you put in. I'm glad it exists: it looks great and seems to perform well, so a lot of attention to detail throughout. I wonder if it's a future classic? It would probably need software updates to deal with whatever we and the robots come up with next, and I guess that's one area where the separates have the advantage: a choice of inputs, including ones that haven't been invented yet.
T+A stands for Theory and Application and was founded in 1978. In the US they have been increasing their distribution channels to include companies that carry a much wider brand array like Upscale Audio. I have a PA3100HV integrated amp paired with T+A transmission line loudspeakers. Some of the T+A components can compete directly with the ultra high-end Swiss gear such as CH Precision. For example the T+A SDV 3100 HV Reference Streaming DAC w/ Preamplifier cost ~$39,000USD.
T+A‘s industrial design to me always carries vibes of 70s BRAUN hi-fi components that Dieter Rams drew, of whom Apple‘s Jon Ive was so fascinated. I wouldn‘t spend that kind of money on a system (yet), but maybe that day will come in my (even) later years. It‘s a beauty for sure.
If ever there was a unit that can just slip into a room with Mid-Century decor this it.
Great review. I love all in ones. Started with an AVM Inspiration CS 2.2 later an Evolution CS 5.2. The T+A (I call them „T und A“) is definitively on my list when considering an update - beside the AVM Ovation CS 8.3 or the Evolution 5.3.
I’m also a happy user of AVM 5.2. Bought it second hand. Though, for the streaming experience, I’ve added a WIIM Pro which feeds into the AVMs DAC, to extend/ improve the streaming performance. The app for the AVM leaves a lot to be desired…
Separate in that order: active analogue speakers, dac, PC daphile. Passive speakers, amplifier dac and PC daphile.
How does it hold up against the Hegel H590 if you still have it with the same separates?
Hegel? Reminds me of Hegel & Rousseau, the intellectual forbears/predessors of Karl Marx 😂
14k 😮😮
But thanks for the great musical tips, totally forgot about 808 state, and I’m curious about the Future Sound Of London album!
All-in-one systems possess a unique charm and style that separates simply can’t match. While 14,000 Euros might be a bit much, there’s something undeniably appealing about all in one units. However, units with built-in speakers, like the Cambridge Audio Evo One or the first-generation Bose Wave are cooler in my opinion. These compact, charming setups may not rival the sound quality of a separates system, but that’s not really the point. It’s about their distinct character and the impressive sound they deliver, considering their size.
Starting a band and naming it Dad Remote
Many Thanks for the Global Communication - Pentamerous Metamorphosis recomendation and this FSOL Mind Maps 5, I didnt know about them until now...and..Im a kind of Global C. nerd as well. I will listen to it in my humble ES 503 of dB tehnologies.
Almost all in one. No subwoofer output with bass management seems like an oversight on something this expensive.
Also, it wasn’t really clear on the video - when you’re adding the phono board, do you have to choose MM vs MC?
Pretty sure that's what John said. He didn't say if it cost extra though.
Whoa. That’s the cost of a nice, used Honda.
did not expect that price with this product, wow
I like AIO's like the M66 and C658 where I bring my own amplification of choice to the table.
Unlike the previous reader/viewer I am in total agreement with a simpler system. Cleaner, easier, no fuss. As long as the sound and build quality is there.
It's a lovely all in one system. Gotta love the all silver theme. So much better than black units....shame you can't review some of the Schiit power amps eg. Vidar etc
Separates have the ability to be upgraded one by one. More new gear fun over time. All in ones can be way cheaper since it only has one chassis. The chassis is a big part of the production cost.
Hello John what is the TV Remote App that works with Apple TV and sends the now playing info to the TV?
So glad I get to pay even more for a phono stage😮
THanks for the review. Indeed such all in one is attractive and could be the solution. Yet I do wonder about the reliability of this type of tool, especially with regards to cd transport. What is T+A servicing policy when the product will be no longer in the product line.
Heard this today at the Dutch Audio Event combined with their Criterion speakers, was a fine setup 😊
The shortest paths is a problem when the speakers cannot be situated right next (2 m) to the electronics. In big rooms, where the speakers could be as far as 3-4 m away from the turntable, CD, etc., a power amplifier can be placed close to the speakers (1 m), while receiving the signal from a preamplifier plus electronics situated 4 m away. There is not way to do this with a single box solution. There is also the issue with the streaming capabilities of the single box. What if a new streaming service takes over Spotify or Tidal, and it cannot be implemented by T+A? That is another reason for going with separates.
T & A has cost me over 20k in the past but that had nothing to do with hifi🤣
At 2:39 seconds, I swiped the video.
Not before you typed this though....
Was at the same spot, did the same thing.
Beautiful production, John. The comparison was very interesting. What would you say is the total price of the stack you put together here, with cables? Thanks
$5000
T+A has maybe one of the most impressive tactile experience from all audio brands. The engineering is so well done. Even when you never play music, just turning a knob from time to time gives you pleasure.
Great review! Hopefully you'll get to review the new Luxman 505z soon and see how that compares to this.
I hope to get the Luxman but not sure it will arrive before the T+A has to be returned.
Or the new Lumin p1 mini?
My new All-in-One is the Aurender AP20!
I haven’t seen the video yet: all in ons!!
T+A 2500 looks cool, what does the happy and sad face on the remote do?
How would this compare with a Naim Uniti Nova..? Just being curious here as that’s what I have and am very pleased with it. Is this more or better..?
Aren't they always better?
If this is not for the audio nerd than it needs to look better. It's not ugly but it doesn't wow me. I find the Cambridge Audio with its more minimal look just nicer. Even the TEAC has this utilitarian esthetic to it and some nice details that are just missing on the T+A
The quality of this brand is usually high end.
What, no Ham radio? 😜
FSOL have made many of their releases prohibitive to purchase for us here in the US. I finally broke down about 6 weeks ago when they unearthed some more Mind Maps 1 and put together an order of every CD they had in stock.
Thank you John. Really good one. And thank you for calling it the right way. TplusA.
Sorry, you lost me at 14.5k euro.
But I loved your grumpy cat expression at the beginning of the video!
So, it's a Music Centre?
If you want to call it that.
It just reminds me of the 70s all in one's many of our parents had in their front rooms. Hifi is cyclical, though to be fair not many of those were hifi. In other words, it's not a new idea.
Seeing now what has been made possible with the WiiM amp pro and Eversolo products, I think a high quality box like this could be done for under $4k. My biggest fear is the obsoletion of the smart features. Amps and preamps don’t really go obsolete, but streamers are still evolving. I’d hate to be saddled with a $15000 streamer.
makes a LOT of sense.... there is probably a tipping point where integrating separate components is detrimental but this seems to hit the right balance between the two ideologies