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price point to move to separates vs integrated

Hi,
I have spoken to different dealers about the most effective way to spend my money on amplification and have gotten different views. (I know opinions are like elbows, everyone has one, or two...).

One fellow said something along the lines of: as soon as you can afford low end separates you should go that route over a more expensive integrated due to the interactions in the same chassis.

Another suggests still going integrated at $6K.

I realize my ears are the final deciding point but the grey stuff between them is longing for a more concrete set of guidelines.

Thanks for your thoughts and replies, the more the merrier,
Gus
gustav1
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,404 posts
 
I replaced a CJ Preamp and Amp set up with a tubed integrated.

The integrated beats my former CJ gear. In Fact I feel my current
Integrated also is better than any othe pre power arrangements I owned-

Including Pass, Bryston, ML. So to me neither have any inherent
Advantage. It's how it's done. Either can be superb.
mordante
511 posts
 
I see no point in going for seperates unless you want to spend mega bucks. Brands like:
Accuphase
Luxman
Symphonic Line
Pass
Gryphon
Cary
Naim
Vitus
Burmester
and many many others

Below 10K I do not see the point of seperates. But I 'll be the first to admit that this is all highly subjective.
harris4crna's avatar
harris4crna
124 posts
 
Im keeping my eyes on this thread very closely. Im definitely on that fence. My simaudio 600i is great, but since i got the Franco Serblin Ktema im lacking a little low end at low volumes. Have not spent much time swapping amps to evaluate differences, but looking forward to. My rule, separates will need to sound two times better for me to move up. Wish i had originally bought the 700i knowing i was going to purchase larger speakers in the future.
rockadanny
1,226 posts
 
IMO there is no such thing as a “price point” in determining separates vs. integrated - it simply depends on what your goal is. If your goal is maximum flexibility in tailoring your system to the type of sound you prefer, then go with separates (or mono-blocks if one of your goals is shortest speaker cables). If your goal is less expense (via fewer ICs, power cords, power outlets), more convenience, shortest IC paths, and/or less real estate usage, then go with integrated.
dayglow
1,925 posts
 
IMO if your going the pure class A route get a seperate power amp!
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