Separates vs Integrated


Hi, my current set up consists of a Coda 07x Pre, Krell 300 XD Duo.  I almost exclusively stream with a Lumin U2 mini with S-Booster feeding a PS Audio Direct Stream MKii.  
 

I get drawn into thinking a really well done Integrated could be as good or better, something like the Hegel H600.  Logic being the synergy the Hegel should have outweighing the potential debatable benefits of separates.  Taking out of the equation my current set up has more flexibility, assuming I would likely keep the Lumin, crazy to think the integrated would match my current set up? 
 

 

mm1tt77

it's probably a question for an engineer. I don't think integrated can beat separates. when the separates match spot on. I.e. you did the engineer's work - "outside the box" - and figure it out. I would think that high end companies selling separates and integrated have the answer. 

@yyzsantabarbara thaka for the info, reply, the Holo Serene is interesting.  I agree on the Krell Amp, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to try various amps and it’s been my favorite.  Noise and synergy are what have me asking the question.  I have found it’s hard to match a pre to the Krell.  I had a Krell Illusions ii Pre, no surprise it paired the best out of any pre I have tried, dead quite.  Sound wise, didn’t love it the way I should have.  
 

@soix my system sounds really good currently but the gains / synergy between the gear is where I think I could potentially improve.  It’s that synergy that has me wonder about a high end integrated vs what I have.  My next upgrade is likely a streamer if I stick with separates.  

@grislybutter I’m chasing synergy but I shouldn’t at the expense of quality of my set up.  I’ve had a Krell Pre with a DAC on my system, the gain match was perfect, was quiet.  Sound was very good but not great.  I found separate DAC’s improved sound and various Pre’s also sounded better.  But, matching this amp with a pre has been more of a challenge than I would have thought.  Seems to be really sensitive to the gain / voltage settings in the Pre.  
 

Thanks for all of your responses, appreciate it. 

About three years ago, I had to downsize my audio system because I had to move  from a very large room in the house to a smaller room in the house.  After extensive, exhaustive research and auditioning, I opted for the Hegel H590 integrated amp to drive my power hungry Revel Salon 2 speakers.  All I can tell you is this, the Hegel H590 has become my end-game amplification for the foreseeable future.  Happy listening.

Try an AudioNET Pre 1 G3.  You see them here for under 4k.

It was  my first taste of high end.

We are Kell and Coda dealers you have a great amp and preamp the issue we would have is the Coda preamp is a little too neutral we would recommend looking at either upgrading the coda to a tube preamp or upgrading your streamer the Lunin is very good however the 432evo servers sound way more analog then the Lumin

 

we compared the Aeon to a 27k Innous statement next gen and the Aeon sounded just as good.

Dave and Troy

Audio Intellect NJ

krell Coda and 432evo dealers