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Integrateds: Why do they all SUCK?

I’m trying to find a HIGH QUALITY integrated that has:
1. A no-corners-cut real class A - A/B power stage.
2. A real, high quality analog preamp line stage.
3. A good phono stage.

Aside from a few very high end products, the above described integrateds seem not to exist. Why can’t I find a quality integrated? Do we just have to accept having a pile of boxes?
madavid0
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,833 posts
 
The new Anthem STR integrated amp looks promising.
Happy Listening!
jond's avatar
jond
5,859 posts
 
The OP has already answers his own, once again trolling, question. "Aside from a few very high end products", yes it's expensive to do all those things right. As with many things you get what you pay for.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,428 posts
 
I went from a Audible Illusions Modulus 3B pre and Odyssey Stratos Extreme stereo amp to a McIntosh MA6600 integrated amp and have never been happier.
wolf_garcia
6,712 posts
 
If there was no entry level many would have to sneak in, and I'm now far more worried about the exit level. Also, is it me (don't answer that) or am I imagining recent articles in audio mags regarding cool "one box does it all" integrated amps with DACs, streaming, plenty of power, maybe a tube here and there…seems like a world of cool stuff.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
Because they are stuffing to much stuff into one box! Ive never liked Integrated amps myself.


Matt M
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