Another question for you bods, do you think that products like the Naim uniti, Linn classic, Arcam solo are the future of hifi replay systems, I mean these all in one boxes do you you need plus they save space, but are they acceptable to the audiophile community or will they just look down their noses at them and view them as glorified midi systems?

Without a doubt they have their place in the market, not everyone wants boxes of hifi cluttering up their living space, they want something neat tidy and sounds good, plus they now come with all the modern features one could possibly need, personally I think it's one of Naims better value for money product, what is it about 2k?

Certain people may look down their noses but if they sound as good as separates then why scoff. If Cyrus were full size boxes there'd be no room in my room for me to listen. Less is definitely more sometimes. I live alone so have no probs with a hi-fi rack etc but certain members wife's, I realise, are not so sympathetic! My dealer certainly rates the Solo, they had it hooked up to fairly ludicrous speakers (3k+) and were still very impressed:D

What's so bad about having everything in one box ?

Absolutely nothing, as long as it gives you the same sound quality as separates. Musical Fidelity, for instance, did a 1- boxer that packed 250 watts per channel as well as a top notch DAC etc but unfortunately it cost 5k. I'm sure I could live with an Arcam solo or whatever, just depends on how much power etc you want. There is something with us audiophiles though that we like to have a lot of boxes to show how much we've spent etc. There's a phalacy that perhaps the more boxes the better the sound but modern 1-boxers are starting to show us the error of our ways.

There's a lot to be said for the 1 box solution as long as it gives you the sound you desire. Personally I'll stick to my 10 boxes plus t/table!

I will play the devils advocate here and point out that, there's good reasons for keeping some components apart.

That is, if one wants the absolute best achievable performance ( and specs) from a component.

I am sure you all know the benefits of separating power supplies, or the problems of 'noise', digital products can generate..

No doubt some of these issues can be (almost) addressed by careful design but, if one is seeking sonic perfection, or as close as one can get to it, some components will have to be kept separate.

I personally think, this is the main difference between a High End sound system and a 'lifestyle' one. I understand "high end" may sound pompous but, it has to be taken in the right context, (i.e. not only the substantial expense involved that most of us cannot afford), but also, the level of performance achieved - and, there is indeed many levels..

Having said that, I don't doubt for a moment, how good one box products can sound and that, in many cases, are 'good enough' for many people to enjoy music.

Besides, I am sure, they will keep the peace at home with their WAF !

The ideal setup for me would be one box and no cables. Also, with a couple of notable exceptions - well, B&O then- few manufacturers consider the visual impact of their boxes and that they have to work as such in the room.

no, no , we can't have that, no cables? it would be the kiss of death for hifi forums

Manufactures need to pay more attention to looks as you say, that why I like Cyrus, the look so cute and take up very little room, good thinking on their part, they'll probably have an all in one soon one day as well.

One of the best looking ones I've seen is the Myriad one , it looks brilliant, so cool, the Arcam looks tacky what with it's wonking buttons all out of line, but I agree with Arthur too many compromises for absolute sound quality due to it all being in our box, so they'll never replace a top noth rig, but what they will do is be a superb choice for offices, small apartments, bed sits, second systems, so yes the definitely have their place, I 've been using the Sonneteer Morpheus streamer and it's brilliant, the Naim looks really good for the money, and the Myriad as I said looks the biz as well, they are ideal for certain needs.

Hey Mark,.. that blond looks suspiciously ... well!.. suspect!..

What's the story?..

She looks like a monkey with blond hair. What will David think.