2. amps-preamps
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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,317 posts
 

Going to an integrated amp does not mean sound quality goes backwards. It may or may not and a lot of it is highly subjective. Like with pretty much everything.

You have to try it to know. Buy from vendors with good return policy and there is little risk. You can’t know for sure until you try. It’s nice not having to deal with all those separate boxes and wires. If you have older gear don’t discount that technology improvements over the years can make a huge difference. What worked even just  ten years ago is not the same as what may work today.

pani
1,219 posts
 

https://conradjohnson.com/cav45-stereo-control-amplifier/

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

Like @mapman Said it is not always a step backwards and buy from a dealer that extends a 60 day return privilege.

I sent a couple of All In Ones back, just did not cut it. But they were also attempting to replace a Moon 390 with 400M amps.

After a year or so of plowing through gear found my setup and love it.

big_greg
6,648 posts
 

Separates in main system, integrated amps in a couple of other systems. Horses for courses.

Saying one way or the other is "better" as a blanket statement is like saying 150 gram vinyl is better than 180 gram vinyl, or vice versa. 

aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 

@ryder the 590axii is tops on my list. I’ll have to find a good used or demo since they have been discontinued. 

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