Future-Fi ALL-IN-ONE...or SEPARATES?

[@christiannisonger6445]

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.

[@johnpischedda6951]

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 !

[@theoswinscow]

Spinning away really is glorious. I had to pause the video to give it a listen

[@dvrodriguez]

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.

[@gkal7217]

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 If something brakes or gets outdated then the whole thing is useless or half useless… I always prefer simple stereo amplifiers.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.

[@ekjellgren]

Like most people that follow this hobby I guess.

[@dparis2172]

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.

[@frederickbailey7786]

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.

[@DBTAudio]

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.

[@andrewmathews995]

Totally agree 👍

[@roa5359]

It’s as if Rotel and Yamaha had a love child … which was subsequently adopted by a stinking rich millionaire.

[@Lutznn]

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.

[@Naitsabesuil]

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😅.

[@mephistoGR]

Amazing. Haven't people heard of expensive high-end all-in-one systems before?

[@saint6563]

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.

[@LePetitGrande]

Jesus, I love that introduction sequence. Stepped up the game here!

[@gamerfinn3634]

So good. You articulated the type of user who would gravitate towards this perfectly.

[@dougg1075]

Cool intro music . As usual. Very eighties, which is a good thing

[@knockshinnoch1950]

So it's basically an expensive "HiFi Music Centre"... The 80s are calling!

[@esperla123]

Great all-in-one solution, with all high-end components.

[@jmtennapel]

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.

[@LeeOades]

Always happy when Thomas Dolby gets a shout out ☺️ ♥️

[@prterhorst6204]

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.

[@TerminatoR99]

Wow, I would love this! Sadly out of my reach :) One of these days maybe! Thank for the review

[@jettaca88]

Fantastic review! T+A on my shortlist

[@michaelwright1602]

Love my Roon Nucleus One! All I can say is WOW!

[@s.daniel9224]

Thanks for the DSD info. I’ve been struggling with inoperable files and you answered my question.✌️

[@albertovantin4425]

Separate in that order: active analogue speakers, dac, PC daphile. Passive speakers, amplifier dac and PC daphile.

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

Turnkey and understated. Turnkey is good ! There is a market for this. Nice review John !🙂 The music that opens the video is nice too.

[@jp93309]

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.

[@brighton_dude]

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.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🙋‍♂️JOHN,🤗 the 2500 is a nice looking piece and a lot of features😎💚💚💚

[@thethirdman225]

I prefer separates myself. I think I always will, even if that means foregoing the advantages of things like active speakers.

[@insurrectionindustries1706]

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.

[@JBOsurf]

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.

[@mephistoGR]

Who cares if T+A or Ferrari care?

[@jimfarrell4635]

I don't care if either of you care if T+A or Ferrari care that you care or don't care.

[@Amphibax]

​@@mephistoGRlooks like a lot of people writing comments do

[@SarcoZQ]

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.

[@JBOsurf]

@@jimfarrell4635 (Your care) × (Their care) ÷ (T+A care + Ferrari care) = ∞ (I don’t care)

[@shankararora8117]

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 😊

[@yellowwducky]

Its quite a nice unit - my wife would love it I am sure. I kinda prefer to pick/mix match standalones though.

[@bobk3840]

So glad I get to pay even more for a phono stage😮

[@Lohensteinio]

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.

[@jimfarrell4635]

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...

[@herme99]

This is not the T&A you are looking for.......

[@basementfortyfive]

Thank you John. Really good one. And thank you for calling it the right way. TplusA.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Starting a band and naming it Dad Remote

[@marcelpfeiffer6587]

Due the fact that innovation cycles are speeding up and standards life cycles are getting shorter, I go with separates.

[@gaza4543]

I think that would really depend on how much it relies on apps to function. If it stands mostly apart then this has enough connectivity to make obsolete functions (like tidal connect) in the future workable with outboard devices. This unit is certainly built to last and for 14k it should be

[@tototronic2]

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.

[@Amphibax]

Maybe you're just using shitty cd players? I've had some for 20 years and they still work fine

[@jeffleigh3747]

Great video my friend. Your presentations are flawless and very cool. Can only dream of gear this expensive. 🤗

[@s.daniel9224]

Great review. Thank you!

[@ChrisMag100]

I’ve spent significant time listening to the regular PA2500 integrated. Great sounding amp.

[@TheFplopes]

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.

[@matthew3770]

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.

[@hmsworcester]

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.

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

If ever there was a unit that can just slip into a room with Mid-Century decor this it.

[@fernandoguerrero2895]

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

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

That is the sell for me.

[@stephenmeyer4744]

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).

[@peterwolfanger3268]

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.

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Cool video. Thanks

[@barneyrubble9309]

So we come full circle ...the rebirth of the radiogramme. 😂

[@evguenielshov6618]

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.

[@joeythedime1838]

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.

[@katejohnson955]

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.

[@DBravo29er]

I love all in ones!!!!

[@johnmckay428]

Keith Richards loves T&A

[@Inflator82]

I wonder how many of them they actually sell each year.

[@littlelake6701]

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.

[@maartenmulder2630]

did not expect that price with this product, wow

[@andrewholmes210]

T & A has cost me over 20k in the past but that had nothing to do with hifi🤣

[@Unicorn-ST]

@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.

[@dicmccoy]

I like AIO's like the M66 and C658 where I bring my own amplification of choice to the table.

[@martinsweeney9976]

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.

[@wardprocter2371]

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?

[@jimfarrell4635]

Pretty sure that's what John said. He didn't say if it cost extra though.

[@ErnieMyers-72]

I bought one of these back in ‘88. Ha! Seriously, seems capable and convenient.

[@Natan9000]

I haven’t seen the video yet: all in ons!!

[@GusdeHbg]

For that money, separate of course

[@frisbiet]

Nice concept, but for that kind of money you have to listen and compare to separates also, but no cable clutter and one box space is really nice.

[@salreda7470]

Steam Punk-FI

[@neilfox4626]

I want a comparison with the Hegel H400. Try to have both at the same time.

[@yokotobigeri_]

I think in Germany no one would say „T plus A“, it is rather „T and A“… (At least that's what I say as someone who comes from Herford, where T+A is based) 😊

[@fonkenful]

Yeah, T and A could be misunderstood for something else.

[@bogomirrajh5643]

Te und A ( A like aaa not ej)

[@connorduke4619]

Excellent review! T+A is a serious brand and needs the toughest competition. Cambridge Edge does indeed play a bit soft. A much tougher test would be the Rotel Michi P5/S5 pairing, connected into that Teac Dac.

[@ostfoxmusic]

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)

[@939Productions]

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.

[@PeterComber]

Sorry, you lost me at 14.5k euro. But I loved your grumpy cat expression at the beginning of the video!

[@scottoblinger5812]

Uh oh, going to the stratosphere with all your success

[@ianwilliams7740]

Thanks for the video John, but absolutely no interest in the "priced like a car" end of the market.

[@RandomShart]

I'm running a WiiM Ultra with a turntable and using a separate class A amp and it sounds superb and with the power amp hidden away it all looks very neat and tidy, On that basis I suppose I'm in favour of all-in-one pre-amp (with phono / streaming / dsp etc), plus a separate power amp.

[@krentuss]

I switched from old yamaha cd-nt670d to wimm ultra and im not satisfied. It abounds annoyingly harsh in mids.

[@RogerBergqvist]

Is it 1988? The intro music suggest that.. What... € 14.500... Okej. In Swedish kronor: 164 720 kr... Shit. That´s a shitload of money.

[@eshimko1]

80's porno music 😅

[@stefaniedc1128]

$16K USD???? getthefuckkkkouttahere!

[@saint6563]

Hilarious you know so little about High-End audio. Whatever you do don't check out high-end watches & cars. 😅

[@trumptardtearcollector9867]

Very Jan hammer

[@jarekharmening8993]

yes it's called synthwave or retrowave music. it's very popular nowadays.

[@dave64k]

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.

[@camhyde9701]

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

[@1jfmurray]

What, no Ham radio? 😜

[@syanhc]

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

[@Erwinhooi]

But thanks for the great musical tips, totally forgot about 808 state, and I’m curious about the Future Sound Of London album!

[@EricRhodeslives]

A receiver! The R stands for "receiver." But, uhhgg, a cd player? Just another component in an all-in-one that can fail. I can't wait to see them put cd players in those active/streaming speakers. 🤣

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

Separates can fail also, and depending on their age replacement parts are not a given.

[@jedknutson8373]

only 14k u.s. bargain...

[@jonathanmoore8886]

That's a great Radiohead track.

[@iiglo]

nice good

[@vittoriomartinidonati]

thanks for the video, comparison with Hegel H590 would have been interesting if you still have it....

[@DarkoAudio]

I still have it but not in Berlin. Sorry .

[@ericjenkins2737]

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.

[@mitchparker7652]

I've always been seduced by the idea of the ALL IN ONE for realestate and simplicity reasons . This T + A however looks far too UTILITARIAN for the asking price. Looks like pre 1989 East German Tractor.

[@Baudesign]

At 2:39 seconds, I swiped the video.

[@fraserking2568]

Not before you typed this though....

[@christiankogler6547]

Was at the same spot, did the same thing.

[@litenbrandbil]

T+A 2500 looks cool, what does the happy and sad face on the remote do?

[@flyergowest]

👍

[@marcusstaley6644]

How does it hold up against the Hegel H590 if you still have it with the same separates?

[@marcusupshaw829]

Hegel? Reminds me of Hegel & Rousseau, the intellectual forbears/predessors of Karl Marx 😂

[@tomaszn.362]

One but BIG objection - slot loader. Good luck with using it on daily basis especially with expensive records in the evening.

[@DarkoAudio]

Huh? The slot is for CDs, not for "expensive records".

[@0oCalumo0]

Personally, I prefer a component approach. As tech changes and new features become more commonly implamented or desirable, I like the fact that I don't need to effectively upgrade my whole system. If I put all of my budget into a hyper intergrated amp like the above, I'm very commited to that system and its feature set. Weirdly, Before we hit a digital world of DACs and streamers where the features can change quite rapidly, I would have been much more attracted to a one and done approach for an integrated setup.

[@alishaheedmuhamad]

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.

[@arnaudkm5898]

Interestingly expensive. Just a micro detail, T&A mentions "Made in Germany" with a translation into French containing an error "FABRIQUE EN ALLEMANGNE" instead of ALLEMAGNE without N after A...

[@Piglet6256]

its just ridiculously expensive, people rather buy a car

[@thomprd]

Wait -- they called their company T&A?