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Biggest impact: moving from integrated to separates

I am slowly moving to separates from my Cronus Magnum integrated amp. So far, I’ve upgraded the Phono stage to a Pass Labs XP-15. I’m now looking for the next upgrade. I will need an amp and a line stage preamp. My budget is @ $3K and I am looking for the biggest bang for the buck. Which upgrade should come next? I would like anything I upgrade to have balanced connections (for linestage both ins and outs.)

thanks
asp307
asp307 OP
159 posts
 
@almarg great thanks! I'll follow up with Rogue on the points raised. I currently have the CM in the Aux 1 input as I am using an external phono pre. 
asp307 OP
159 posts
 
@almarg FYI- the input impedance of the CM amp section is 100K.  
rbstehno
1,545 posts
 
Why do you think going to separates is going to up the SQ? I had a pair of Classe separates then moved to the rogue Cronus magnum 2 with the kt120 tubes. I liked the move except the Cronus caused some flabby/not controlled bass. So I move to a Hegel h100 which was nice but not enough power, so in months, I bought a new Hegel h300 and this met my goals. I got this new at $3000 which I think the Hegel would beat any $3000 with of separates. Btw: you also have to include the cost of a IC connecting the preamp to an amp which could cost 100’s of $$$
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
I have heard cheap separates that sound profoundly better than  integrated cost no object componet's.
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Integrated amps can be better than separates. Yes, when they are.
Separates can be better than integrated amps. Yes, when they are. 
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