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After years of separates, I'm going integrated. Anyone else do the same?

I'm rethinking my listening room. I want my audio rack to be more minimalist vs lots of boxes, wires, and clutter. I know separates, in general, will sound better. However, at the level of my system, I'm not certain the difference would be as apparent. In the grand scheme of things of Audiophilia, my level of components are mid-fi at best (BHK Pre, First Watt J2, Elac PPA-2 phono, Pro-ject s2 Dac, ZU Omen Defs)

I'm favoring one of the Luxman Class A's (I know Luxman is getting out of the Class A business. The only way I would favor a built-in Dac is if it were upgradable like McIntosh or Accuphase. I'm guessing a Luxman or Mac built-in phono would sound just as good as to what I have now (Elac PPA-2).

So the question is, who else has gone to integrated? Do you regret the move or are you glad you did?

 

aberyclark
2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,622 posts
 

Two of my favorite pieces of audio kit, Line Magnetic integrated amp (216i) and Musical Fidelity M6500i integrated amp. One is tube, one is solid state. I own the LM Audio but the MF is outside of my budget. Darn it!

I have two audio systems and in one is the integrated amp and the other is a solid state amp and tube preamp. I think if you find the RIGHT integrated amp, that checks all the boxes for YOU and YOUR system it can be much simpler, fun and sound wonderful.

rpeluso
1,076 posts
 

I have, in one of my systems, the one I use most often.  I recently bought the Constellation Audio Integrated unit.  I use it with the Luxman D-10X CD/SACD/MQA player and the Perlisten S7t loudspeakers.  I also have a TT, it rarely gets used though.  

 

I have zero regrets going integrated/simplifying.

relaks
63 posts
 

I did it years ago. First Lavardin IT, and now also LTA Z40. Both are as good as it gets for a 50-watter.

There’s been more and more truly hi-end integrateds recently from the likes of Plinium, Soulution, Gryphon etc, it’s a trend now.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,577 posts
 

I have ditched the separates 2.5 years and don’t regret one bit. As @2psyop pointed out, finding the ‘right’ integrated is the key. For my preferences and the system, Accuphase E-650 turned out to be the perfect stable mate. I believe Accuphase is one the very few integrated’s that gives you the flexibility of user upgradeable phono and DAC options.

aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 

To be honest, I have not wanted to listen to anything the past month or so. I have forced myself and its just not clicking. Not because my current system does not sound good....it sounds great. However, siting in my listening chair, all I see is clutter. I know everyone goes thru an audiophile "funk". however, I've seen some real simple systems of late to where its just turn it on, and enjoy the music. 

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