Editors’ Choice: Integrated Systems

Bluesound Pulse 2i/Pulse 2i Mini

$699/$499

This tabletop, wireless all-in-one brings the expertise and sensibility of PSB Speakers’ founder Paul Barton to the integrated system. The solidly built Pulse 2i accommodates a wide range of inputs, but will most likely be driven by streaming sources via the BluOS app. The sound has a warmth and richness in the bass and midbass that are often missing in the category. The Pulse 2i projects a sound far larger than its size would indicate and has the ability to fill a mid-sized room. The mids and treble are warm and engaging, again defying expectations. Pulse 2i Mini simply a smaller version.

KEF LSX

$1249

The KEF LSXes are wireless marvels. There is no tether necessary to connect the primary and secondary speakers, although using the tether bumps resolution from 24-bit/48kHz up to 24-bit/192kHz. The KEFs sport sleek, gorgeous looks, including real cloth wrappings that feel almost luxurious. They’re powered by a 70W Class D amp for the mid and bass driver, and a 30W amp for the tweeter. The inputs are simple: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi streaming, one optical connection, and a 3.5mm analog AUX port. Their small size belies their huge sound: Bass is big and tight when adjusted via the Control app, and the midrange is a delight. For anyone looking for an all-in-one solution in a small package without sacrificing sound quality, the KEF LSXes are highly recommended.

Naim Mu-so 2

$1799

It may be similar in size and shape to a generic tabletop system, but once you hear what this compact system (with three smallish cone drivers per side, 75W on tap for each driver, and integrated preamp, DAC, streaming, and DSP) can do, there will be no mistaking it for a typical all-in-one unit. It is a different creature entirely. Its best qualities compare favorably to those of systems of separate components up to about twice its price, though it will not play super-loud (an expected result for amps and speaker drivers of this size) and won’t give you the kind of wide, deep soundstage that you get from individual speakers. Nonetheless, the Mu-so 2 is supremely musical.

Dali Callisto 2C

$2500 ($3898 with SoundHub with NPM 1 BluOS module)

This compact speaker incorporates DACs and power amplification along with the ability to access music (including hi-res) from your mobile device and stream it to the speaker. The BluOS module handles networking and streaming, and the SoundHub acts as preamplifier for connecting a range of sources including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LAN, and wired digital and analog, and then sends the selected signal wirelessly to the Callisto. The Callisto is equipped with MQA Core unfolding (but not full MQA decoding). With a flat frequency response (thanks in part to DSP crossovers), wide dynamics, excellent resolution of detail, and deeper bass than is expected from a small bookshelf speaker, the Callisto makes a strong case for an integrated system over component-audio at this price. 

KEF LS50 Wireless II 

$2799 

Built to celebrate KEF’s 50th anniversary, the original LS50 monitor spun pure coincident-driver magic thanks to its blushing pink-gold Uni-Q coaxial midrange/tweeter. Visually arresting and sonically satisfying, the LS50 delivered tonal neutrality at just the right pitch, with superb midrange sonics, full-bodied presence, and potent midbass punch. Comes now an “all-in-one” version of this same speaker, the LS50 Wireless, with built-in amplifier, DAC, streaming preamp (Tidal- and Roon-ready), and DSP room-EQ that gives you the same sonics without any need for outboard electronics.

Cabasse Pearl Akoya

$3798 ($800 stands)

A marvel of packaging and sophistication, Cabasse’s three-way, tri-axial sphere comes loaded with built-in Class D amplifiers, a DAC, and DSP control with room correction. It’s also Wi-fi equipped. All you need to add is a high-resolution streaming service or a thumb drive, and the Akoya becomes a fully self-contained high-performance system—all in an impossibly small enclosure the size of a honeydew. Sonically it conveys an engaging, forward, midrange-centric personality. Imaging is stable and well-focused. Overall response is fairly linear. Ultimately, there’s some roll off in the treble range, but nothing to set off alarm bells. Bass extension dips into the 50–60Hz range with surprising impact and amplitude. Cabasse has redefined high-end portability. 

T+A Caruso

$3990

This tabletop system measures just under a foot in each dimension yet is packed with seven drivers (including a down-firing 6.7″ woofer) and three switching power amps. The Roon-ready Caruso supports just about any source (FM, Internet Radio, optical disc, USB stick) and streaming platform, Though the stereo spread can’t compete with an audio system where the two channels are more than a foot apart, the robustly constructed Caruso offers satisfying bass slam and dynamic coherence, even if asked to play loud at a party. 

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo

$3998 (stands are an additional $798)

Inside each cabinet, the Formation Duo incorporates wireless-streaming-capable DACs and amplification, all under DSP control. You simply plug in the Duo, and with a few taps on the Formation app, you’re streaming music. The Duo’s wireless technology is significantly more advanced than that of off-the-shelf solutions. This is no mere “lifestyle” product; the tweeter is a patented driver with a 1″ carbon dome, and the 6.5″ mid/woofer features the same Continuum cone used in Bowers & Wilkins’ top-line 800 series. The Duo’s sound quality is a knockout, with spectacular imaging, a very smooth and flat tonal balance, and surprisingly extended bass. Easy to use, highly musical, and technologically advanced, the Duo brings true high-end performance to a product anyone can easily set up and enjoy. 

Dali Rubicon 6 C

$7999

A 2.5-way floorstander, Dali’s Rubicon 6 C is the largest of four powered loudspeakers offered by the Danish manufacturer. The tweeter is a soft dome/ribbon hybrid that’s fast and extended, smoothly blending with the drivers below. The two cone midrange/woofers employ a material for the pole piece called “Soft Magnetic Compound” (SMC) that has standard magnetic properties but virtually no electrical conductivity, which eliminates hysteresis-related distortion. A compact streaming preamp (the “Sound Hub”) is part of the package; it wirelessly pairs to the loudspeakers—a reliable and sonically invisible connection. The system doesn’t play favorites with musical genres. Power pop, small group jazz, opera, female vocals—everything is reproduced with natural detail and abundant character. 

Eikon Audio Image1

$25,000

This integrated system from high-end legend Gayle Sanders breaks new ground in audio-system architecture. Consisting of two speakers and the Eikontrol electronics, the Image1 system employs sophisticated DSP to correct fundamental problems of speakers in rooms. Each speaker incorporates four power amplifiers and is driven by four line-level analog outputs from the Eikontrol. With two 8″ woofers (one rear-firing), a 5″ midrange, and an air-motion-transformer tweeter in a diminutive multifaceted floorstanding enclosure, the Image1 achieves a much bigger sound than its size suggests. The “Wavelet” DSP corrects timing information in the bass, realizing greatly improved clarity and definition. The Image1 is technically innovative, highly musical, and an exceptional value.

Burmester Phase 3 System

$50,000

Designed for music lovers who aren’t typical audiophiles, this unusual all-in-one system adds panache to the solid build-quality and sonics for which the German manufacturer is known. This über-striking three-piece system includes a pair of the company’s B15 loudspeakers along with the digital 161 all-in-one unit that incorporates an integrated amplifier, DAC, server, CD player (plus ripping), and an array of input and outputs.