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.
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?
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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. |
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. |
@lalitk I would love to find a used/demo 650. The Dac module is pretty pricey (around $1000). |
Well, there is a E-650 available on USAM. It comes with a phono module. You can always get the DAC module later :-) If you end up getting E-650, you will be pleasantly surprised how good is the $1K phono module. The AD-50 phono board in my E-650 was more than adept in conveying Hana’s Umami Red gorgeous sound. In fact, the AD-50 offered much better synergy over a $2500 E.A.T. E-glo S phono preamp with external power supply. |
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